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A rectangular coil consists of N = 160 closely wrapped turns and has dimensions

ID: 1446760 • Letter: A

Question

A rectangular coil consists of N = 160 closely wrapped turns and has dimensions a = 0.400 m and b = 0.300 m. The coil is hinged along the y axis, and its plane makes an angle theta = 30.0 degree with the x axis (see figure below). What is the magnitude of the torque exerted on the coil by a uniform magnetic field B = 0.440 T directed in the positive x direction when the current is I = 1.20 A in the direction shown? If you are looking downward from the positive y direction, what is the expected direction of rotation of the coil? clockwise counterclockwise

Explanation / Answer

The torque is the cross product of magnetic moment and the magnetic field.

The magnetic moment = NIA = 160*1.2*(0.4*0.3) = 23.04 A m^2

The direction is perpendicular to the loop

The magnetic field B = 0.44 T and the angle between magnetic field and magnetic moment = 60 degree

Hence the magnitude = 23.04*0.44*sin(60 deg) = 8.78 Nm.

Direction: clockwise