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⚛️ Physics  ·  Magnetism and Matter  ·  NEET & JEE

Two identical magnetic dipoles of moment m each are placed at a separation r, one in the end-on (axial) position and one in the broadside-on (equatorial) position relative to a reference point at the same distance r. The ratio of the magnetic field at that point due to the axial arrangement to the field due to the equatorial arrangement is:

Answer: 2:1.

  • A 2:1
  • B 1:2
  • C 1:1
  • D 4:1

Correct answer: A. 2:1

Explanation: For a short dipole, the axial field is B<sub>axial</sub> = (μ0/4π)(2m/r³) while the equatorial field is B<sub>equatorial</sub> = (μ0/4π)(m/r³), giving a ratio of 2:1.

Bar Magnet Field LinesNSfield lines: N → S (outside magnet)

Magnetic field lines form closed loops: outside the bar magnet they run from the N pole to the S pole; inside, they continue from S back to N, so the lines never start or end anywhere.

Concept context

Bar magnets, Earth's magnetism, and how different materials respond to an external magnetic field - diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic behaviour.

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