Current loop as a Magnetic Dipole - Magnetism | Class 12th Physics Notes

Current loop as a Magnetic Dipole

Ampere found that the distribution of magnetic lines of force around a finite current-carrying solenoid is similar to that produced by a bar magnet. This is evident from the fact that a compass needle when moved around these two bodies shows similar deflections. After noting the close resemblance between these two, Ampere demonstrated that a simple current loop behaves like a bar magnet and put forward that all the magnetic phenomena are due to circulating electric current. This is Ampere’s hypothesis.

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We consider a circular coil carrying current I. When seen from above current flows in the anti-clockwise direction.

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Atoms as a Magnetic Dipole

In an atom, electrons revolve around the nucleus. These moving electrons behave as small current loops. So atom possesses a magnetic dipole moment and hence behaves as a magnetic dipole.

The angular momentum of electron due to orbital motion $L = m _{ e } vr$

The equivalent current due to orbital motion $I =-\frac{ e }{ T }=-\frac{ ev }{2 \pi r }$

–ve sign shows direction of current is opposite to direction of motion of electron.

Magnetic dipole moment $M=I A=-\frac{e v}{2 \pi r} \cdot \pi r^{2}=-\frac{e v r}{2}$

Using $L=m_{e}$ vr we have $\quad M=-\frac{e}{2 m_{e}} L$

In vector form $\overrightarrow{ M }=-\frac{ e }{2 m _{ e }} \overrightarrow{ L }$

The direction of magnetic dipole moment vector is opposite to angular momentum vector.

According to Bohr's theory $L=\frac{n h}{2 \pi} \quad n=0, \quad 1, \quad 2 \ldots \ldots$

So $M=\left(\frac{e}{2 m_{e}}\right) \frac{n h}{2 \pi}=n\left(\frac{e h}{4 \pi m_{e}}\right)=n \mu_{B}$

Where $\mu_{\mathrm{B}}=\frac{\mathrm{eh}}{4 \pi \mathrm{m}_{e}}$

$=\frac{\left(1.6 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{C}\right)\left(6.62 \times 10^{-34} \mathrm{Js}\right)}{4 \times 3.14 \times\left(9.1 \times 10^{-31} \mathrm{~kg}\right)}$

$=9.27 \times 10^{-24} \mathrm{Am}^{2}$

is called Bohr Magneton. This is natural unit of magnetic moment.

Also Read:

Biot Savart's Law

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