Q85 / 90 · JEE Main 2019 (10 Jan Shift 2) · Physics

At some location  the horizontal component of earth's magnetic field is 18×10-6 T. At this location, magnetic needle of length 0.12 m and pole strength 1.8 Am is suspended from its mid-point using a thread, it makes 45° angles with horizontal in equilibrium. To keep this needle horizontal, the vertical force that should be applied at one of its ends is:

  • A
    1.8×10-5 N
  • B
    3.6×10-5 N
  • Correct answer
    C
    6.5×10-5 N
  • D
    1.3×10-5 N

Solution

The horizontal and vertical components of earth's magnetic field (BH and BV) are related as

BVBH=tanθ

Here, θ=45° and BH=18×10-6 T

⇒BV=BHtan45°

⇒BV=BH=18×10-6 T   ∵ tan45°=1

Now, when the external force F is applied, to keep the needle stays in horizontal position is shown below,

Figure

Taking torque at point P, we get

mBV×2l=Fl

∴ F=2×mBV

Substituting the given values, we get

F=2×1.8×18×10-6

F=6.48×10-5=6.5×10-5 N.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

Relevant Questions