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Stable equilibrium of a magnetic dipole ...

Stable equilibrium of a magnetic dipole in a uniform magnetic field will be at orientation when:

A

Dipole moment vector and magnetic field vector are in same direction

B

Dipole moment vector and magnetic field vector are in opposite direction

C

Dipole moment vector is perpendicular to magnetic field vector

D

Both a and c

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To determine the stable equilibrium of a magnetic dipole in a uniform magnetic field, we need to analyze the potential energy associated with the dipole's orientation relative to the magnetic field. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Magnetic Dipole**: A magnetic dipole consists of two equal and opposite magnetic charges separated by a small distance. The dipole moment \(\mathbf{M}\) is a vector quantity that points from the negative to the positive charge. 2. **Magnetic Field**: A uniform magnetic field \(\mathbf{B}\) is represented as a vector that has a constant magnitude and direction throughout the space. 3. **Potential Energy of a Magnetic Dipole**: The potential energy \(U\) of a magnetic dipole in a magnetic field is given by the formula: \[ U = -\mathbf{M} \cdot \mathbf{B} = -M B \cos \theta \] where \(\theta\) is the angle between the dipole moment vector \(\mathbf{M}\) and the magnetic field vector \(\mathbf{B}\). 4. **Analyzing Potential Energy**: - The potential energy is minimized when \(\cos \theta\) is maximized. - The maximum value of \(\cos \theta\) occurs when \(\theta = 0^\circ\) (i.e., when the dipole moment is aligned with the magnetic field). - At \(\theta = 0^\circ\), the potential energy \(U\) becomes: \[ U = -M B \cos(0) = -M B \] - This is the minimum potential energy, indicating a stable equilibrium. 5. **Conditions for Stable Equilibrium**: - For stable equilibrium, the dipole must be aligned with the magnetic field, which corresponds to \(\theta = 0^\circ\). - In this orientation, the dipole experiences a torque that tends to keep it aligned with the magnetic field. 6. **Evaluating Options**: - **Option A**: Dipole moment vector and magnetic field vector are in the same direction (Correct). - **Option B**: Dipole moment vector and magnetic field vector are in the opposite direction (Incorrect). - **Option C**: Dipole moment vector is perpendicular to the magnetic field vector (Incorrect). - **Option D**: Both A and C (Incorrect). 7. **Conclusion**: The stable equilibrium of a magnetic dipole in a uniform magnetic field occurs when the dipole moment vector is aligned with the magnetic field vector, which corresponds to Option A. ### Final Answer: **The correct answer is Option A: Dipole moment vector and magnetic field vector are in the same direction.**

To determine the stable equilibrium of a magnetic dipole in a uniform magnetic field, we need to analyze the potential energy associated with the dipole's orientation relative to the magnetic field. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Magnetic Dipole**: A magnetic dipole consists of two equal and opposite magnetic charges separated by a small distance. The dipole moment \(\mathbf{M}\) is a vector quantity that points from the negative to the positive charge. 2. **Magnetic Field**: ...
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