Relation Between Magnetic Permeability and Susceptibility - Class 12 Physics

eSaral Logo
Team eSaral

eSaral Academic and Editorial Team

4 min read

Permeability is the measure of the ability of a material to support the formation of a magnetic field within itself. In other words, it is the degree of magnetization that a material obtains in response to an applied magnetic field. The magnetic susceptibility is a dimensionless proportionality constant that indicates the degree of magnetization of a material in response to an applied magnetic field. Relative permeability, sometimes denoted by the symbol μr, is the ratio of the permeability of a specific medium to the permeability of free space. Here we will study about the Relation Between Relative Magnetic Permeability and Susceptibility:

Relation Between Relative Magnetic Permeability and Susceptibility

When a magnetic material is kept in a magnetising field (H). Then total number of magnetic lines of force inside the material = magnetic lines of force due to magnetising field + magnetic lines of force due to magnetisation of specimen

i.e. Magnetic induction (B) = $B_{0}$ (no. of lines of force due to H) + $\mu_{0} I$ (no. of lines due to magnetisation of specimen0029

or $B = B _{0}+\mu_{0} I =\mu_{0} H +\mu_{0} I =\mu_{0}( H + I )$

$B =\mu_{0}( H + I )=\mu_{0} H \left(1+\chi_{ m }\right)$ as $\chi_{ m }=\frac{ I }{ H }$

$B =\mu H =\mu_{0} H \left(1+\chi_{ m }\right)$ or $\mu=\mu_{0}\left(1+\chi_{m}\right)$

or $\mu_{ r }=1+\chi_{ m }$.


Ex. A tungsten rod of length 10 cm and area of cross-section $0.25 cm ^{2}$ is placed in a magnetising field of 314 oersted, with its length parallel to the field. The magnetic susceptibility of tungsten is $6.8 \times 10^{-5}$. Calculate the (i) intensity of magnetisation (ii) magnetic moment and (iii) absolute permeability. Sol. Given H = 314 oersted = $\frac{314 \times 10^{3}}{4 \pi}$ amp. $/ m .=\frac{10^{5}}{4}$ amp. $/ m$

  1. Intensity of magnetisation $$I = {{{\chi _m}} \over H} = {{6.8 \times {{10}^{ - 5}} \times {{10}^5}} \over 4} = 1.7\,amp./1m$$
  2. Magnetic moment M = $\mathbf{I}$V = $1.7 \times 0.1 \times 0.25 \times 10^{-4}=4.25 \times 10^{-6}$ amp./m.
  3. Absolute permeability $\mu=\mu_{ r } \mu_{0}=\mu_{0}\left(1+\chi_{ m }\right)=4 \pi \times 10^{-7}\left[1+6.8 \times 10^{-5}\right]=12.56 \times 10^{-7}$Wb/A-m

Ex. A solenoid of 500 turns/m is carrying a current of 3A. Its core is made of iron which has a relative permeability of 5000. Determine the magnitude of magnetic intensity, magnetisation and magnetic field inside the core. Sol. Magnetic intensity H = ni = 500 × 3 = 1500 A/m $\mu_{ r }=1+\chi_{ m }$ so $\chi_{ m }=\mu_{ r }-1=4999 \approx 5000$ Intensity of magnetisation $I =\chi H =5000 \times 1500=7.5 \times 10^{6} A / m$ Magnetic field $B =\mu_{ r } \mu_{0} H =5000 \times 4 \pi \times 10^{-7} \times 1500=9.4$ tesla.


Ex. An electron in an atom revolves around the nucleus in an orbit of radius 0.53 A. Calculate the equivalent magnetic moment if the frequency of revolution is $6.8 \times 10^{9} MHz$ Sol. Magnetic moment $M=I A=\frac{e}{T} \times \pi r^{2}=e v \pi r^{2}$ So M = $1.6 \times 10^{-19} \times 6.8 \times 10^{9} \times 3.14 \times\left(0.53 \times 10^{-10}\right)^{2}=9.6 \times 10^{-24} Am ^{2}$


Ex. An iron rod 0.2 m long $10^{-2}$ m in diameter and of permeability 1000 is placed inside a long solenoid wound with 300 turns per meter. If a current of 0.5 A is passed through the rod find magnetic moment of rod. Sol. $B =\mu_{0}( H + I )$ so $I =\frac{ B }{\mu_{0}}- H =\frac{\mu H }{\mu_{0}}- H =\left(\mu_{ r }-1\right) H$ For a solenoid $B =\mu_{0} ni$ So $H =\frac{ B }{\mu_{0}}= ni$ so $I=\left(\mu_{r}-1\right) n i$ $I =(1000-1) 300 \times 0.5=999 \times 150 Am ^{2}$ Magnetic moment of rod $M = I \times V = I \pi r ^{2} \ell=999 \times 150 \times 3.14 \times\left(0.5 \times 10^{-2}\right) \times 0.2$ $=0.2325 JT ^{-1}$


About eSaral At eSaral we are offering a complete platform for IIT-JEE & NEET preparation. The main mission behind eSaral is to provide education to each and every student in India by eliminating the Geographic and Economic factors, as a nation’s progress and development depends on the availability of quality education to each and every one. With the blend of education & technology, eSaral team made the learning personalized & adaptive for everyone.

For free video lectures and complete study material, Download eSaral APP.

eSaral Logo

Team eSaral

eSaral Academic and Editorial Team

Team eSaral is the collective author profile for educational content created by eSaral’s teachers and academic contributors. The team draws on expertise from IIT graduates, doctors, experienced educators and subject specialists to develop resources for JEE, NEET and school students. Our articles aim to explain concepts clearly and help students study with confidence.

Exam PreparationAcademic StrategiesJEE and NEET PreparationStudy TechniquesSchool Education