Physics

5 - Magnetism and matter

Sample questions
Class : XII 2024-25
MCQ
The magnetic field lines:
1) The magnetic field lines inside a bar magnet
a) are from N-pole to S-pole of magnet
b) do not exist
c) depend upon the area of cross section of bar magnet
d) are from S-pole of magnet
2) The magnetic lines of force outside a bar magnet
a) are from N-pole to S-pole of magnet
b) do not exist
c) depend upon the area of cross section of bar magnet
d) are from S-pole of magnet
3) Which of the following statements is true about magnetic lines of force?
a) Magnetic lines of force are always closed.
b) Magnetic lines of force always intersect each other.
c) Magnetic lines of force tend to crowd far away from the poles of the magnet
d) Magnetic lines of force do not pass through the vacuum.
4) Magnetic lines of force due to a bar magnet do not intersect because
a) a point always has a single net magnetic field
b) the lines have similar charges and so repel each other
c) the lines always diverge from a single force
d) None of these
Bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid:
1) What happens if a bar magnet is cut into two pieces along its length?
a) Both pieces will have the dipole moment equal to the
original magnet.
b) The pieces will have their magnetic moments equal to
the half of the original magnet.
c) The pieces will lose their magnetism.
d) None of these.
2) Magnetic moment for solenoid and corresponding bar magnet is
a) equal for both
b) more for solenoid
c) more for bar magnet
d) none of these
(Both bar magnet and solenoid are
showing great resemblance in the
magnetic properties.
However, the bar magnet is a permanent magnetic material while the solenoid is an
electromagnetic material. Hence the magnetic moment of a bar magnet is equal to the
magnetic moment of an equivalent solenoid that produces the same magnetic field.)
3) The unit of magnetic moment is
a) weber b) A m2 c) wb / m2 d) tesla
4) A magnetic dipole moment is a vector quantity directed from:
a) South to North b) North to South c) East to West d) West to East
5) A thin circular wire carrying a current I, has a magnetic moment m. The shape of a wire
is changed to a square and it carries the same current. It will have a magnetic moment
a) 4m/π2 b) m c) πm/4 d) 4m/π
(Perimeter is same. Therefore, 4 a = 2 π r  a = =
2
Area of Circular wire A = π r  m = I B π r 2

Area of square A‟ = a2 =  m‟ = I B a2 = I B
= =  m‟ = )

The dipole in a uniform magnetic field:

1) A magnetic needle is kept in a non-uniform magnetic field experiences
a) a force as well as a torque b) a torque but not a force
c) neither a force nor a torque d) a force but not a torque
2) A closely wound solenoid of 2000 turns and area of cross-section 1.5 × 10–4 m2 carries a
current of 2.0 A. It is suspended through its centre and perpendicular to its length,
allowing it to turn in a horizontal plane in a uniform magnetic field 5 × 10–2 tesla making
an angle of 30° with the axis of the solenoid. The torque on the solenoid will be
a) 3 × 10–3 N m b) 1.5 × 10–3 N m c) 1.5 × 10–2 N m d) 3 × 10–2 N m
(Torque, τ = m B sinθ = NIA B sinθ = 2000 x 2 x 1.5 × 10–4 x 5 × 10–2 x sin 30
= 30000 x 10-6 x ½ = 15000 x10-6 = 1.5 x 10-2)
3) A 250-turn rectangular coil of length 2.1 cm and width 1.25 cm carries a current of 85μA
and subjected to a magnetic field of strength 0.85 T. Work done for rotating the coil by
180° against the torque is
a) 4.55 μ J b) 2.3 μ J c) 1.15 μ J d) 9.4 μ J
(U = W = m B (cosθi - cosθf) = N I A B (cosθi - cosθf)
= 250 x 85 x 10-6 x 2.1 x 1.25 x 10-4 x 0.85 (cos0 – cos180)
= 47414.06 x 10-10 (1+1) = 4.7 x 10-6 x 2 = 9.4x10-6 J)
4) A short bar magnet of magnetic moment 0.4 J/T is placed in a uniform magnetic field of
0.16 T. The magnet is in stable equilibrium when the potential energy is
a) - 0.082 J b) 0.064 J c) -0.064 J d) zero
(magnetic moment, m = 0.4 J/T, magnetic field, B = 0.16 T
magnet is in stable equilibrium  θ =0o.
potential energy,U = - ⃗⃗⃗ . ⃗ = - m B cosθ = - 0.4 x 0.16 x cos0 = - 0.4 x 0.16 = - 0.064 J)
5) The area of a circular ring is 1 cm2 and current of 10 A is passing through it. If a magnetic
field of intensity 0.1 T is applied perpendicular to the plane of the ring. The torque due to
magnetic field on the ring will be
a) zero b) 10– 4 N m c) 10– 2 N m d) 1 N m
(Torque τ = m B sinθ  since θ = 0, τ = 0)
6) A circular loop of magnetic moment m is in an arbitrary orientation in an external
magnetic field B. The work done to rotate the loop by 30° about an axis perpendicular to
its plane is
a) m B b) √3 (mB / 2) c) m B / 2 d) zero

(The work done to rotate the loop the loop in magnetic field W = m B (cosθf − cosθi). The
rotation of the loop by 30° about an axis perpendicular to its plane make no change in the angle
made by axis of the loop with the direction of magnetic field, therefore, the work done to rotate
the loop is zero.)
The electrostatic analog:
1) The electrostatic analogy of magnetic dipole moment is given by the equation
a) E = F/q b) p = q x 2a c) E = V/d d) p = 2q x 2a
2) For a bar magnet of magnetic moment M and of length 2l, magnetic field at a point P
lying along the equatorial line of magnet at a distance (√ ) l is
a) antiparallel to magnetic moment
b) antiparallel to magnetic moment
c) antiparallel to magnetic moment
d) parallel to magnetic moment
(Magnetic field at a point on equatorial line of magnet (Beq) = √
=
= )
3) The dipole moment of the short bar magnet is 12.5 A m2. The magnetic field on its axis at
a distance of 0.5 m from the centre of the magnet is
a) 1 x 10-4 T b) 4 x 10-2 T c) 2 x 10-5 T d) 6.64 x 104 T
(Magnetic field at a point on axial line of magnet (Bax)= = 10-7 x = 2 x 10-5 T)
Magnetism and Gauss’s law:
1) Gauss‟s law for magnetism is
a) the net magnetic flux through any closed surface is ⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
b) the net magnetic flux through any closed surface is ⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
c) the net magnetic flux through any closed surface is zero
d) Both (a) and (c)
2) Point out the image representing the magnetic field lines correctly
 (c) is correct. (Refer example problem)
3) Point out the image representing the magnetic field lines correctly

(d) is correct. These are field lines outside and inside a bar magnet.

Magnetisation and magnetic intensity & Magnetic properties of

materials:
1) The ratio of intensity of magnetisation and magnetising field is called
a) permeability b) magnetic intensity
c) magnetic intensity d) magnetic susceptibility
2) The magnetic susceptibility is given by
a)  b)  c)  d) 
3) The relative permeability of a medium is 0.075. What is its magnetic susceptibility?
a) 0.925 b) – 0.925 c) 1.075 d) –1.075
(μr = 1 +   μr – 1 = 0.075 – 1 = – 0.925)
4) If relative permeability of iron is 2000. Its absolute permeability in S.I. units is
a) 8π × 10–4 b) 8π × 10–3 c) 800/π d) 8π × 109/π
(μr =  μ = μr x μo = 2000 x 4π x 10-7 = 8000π x 10-7 = 8π x 10-4 H/m)
5) The relative permeability of a medium is 1.75. Then the permeability of the medium is
a) 2.28 x 10-5 H/m b) 2.2 x 10-6 H/m
c) 4 x 10-7 H/m d) 3.52 x 10-5 H/m
(μr =  μ = μr μo = 1.75 x 4π x10-7 = 1.75 x 4 x 3.14 x10-7 = 21.98 x10-7 = 2.198 x10-6)
6) The sign of (intensity of) magnetisation of the specimen shown in figure (i) and (ii) are
respectively as

a) Positive, positive b) Positive, Negative

c) Negative, positive d)Negative, Negative
(Relation between Susceptibility and intensity of magnetisation is  M = χ H
Specimens shown in figure (i) and (ii) are paramagnetic and diamagnetic respectively.
Susceptibility (or intensity of magnetisation) is positive for paramagnetic and negative
for diamagnetic materials.)
7) The susceptibility of a magnetic material is - 2.6 x 10-5. The magnetic material is
a) Ferromagnetic b) paramagnetic
c) diamagnetic d) none of the above
(If susceptibility is less than zero (i.e. -ve), the material is diamagnetic. Diamagnetism is a
form of magnetism that is only exhibited by a substance in the presence of an externally
applied magnetic field. It is generally quite a weak effect in most materials, although
superconductors exhibit a strong effect.)
8) The variation of the intensity of magnetisation (M) with respect to the
magnetising field (H) in a diamagnetic substance is described by the
graph in figure:
a) OD b) OC
c) OB d) OA
(Relation between Susceptibility and intensity of magnetisation is,
M=χH
Susceptibility (or intensity of magnetisation) is negative and small for diamagnetic
materials.)

For the following questions, two statements are given-one labelled Assertion (A) and
the other labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these questions from the
codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
c) A is true but R is false
d) A is false and R is also false

1) Assertion (A): The true geographic north direction is found by using a compass needle.
Reason (R): Magnetic field cannot change velocity vector.
d) A is false and R is also false
2) Assertion (A): When radius of circular loop carrying current is doubled, its magnetic
moment becomes four times.
Reason (R): Magnetic moment depends on area of the loop
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(Magnetic dipole moment of the current loop = current x Area of the coil
Initially magnetic moment M = I π r2,
new magnetic moment M‟ = I π (2r)2 = 4 I (π r2) = 4 M.
Hence, magnetic moment becomes four times when radius is doubled.)
3) Assertion (A): Magnetic poles cannot be separated by breaking a bar magnet into two
pieces.
Reason (R): When a magnet is broken into two pieces, the magnetic moment will be
reduced to half.
b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

4) Assertion (A): A magnetised needle in a uniform magnetic field experiences a torque but
no net force. An iron nail near a bar magnet, however, experiences a force of attraction in
addition to a torque.
Reason (R): The iron nail experiences a non-uniform field due to the bar magnet and there
is an induced magnetic moment in the nail.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
5) Assertion (A): Gauss‟s law of magnetism is different from Gauss‟s law of electrostatics.
Reason (R): Isolated electric charge can exist but isolated magnetic pole cannot exist.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
6) Assertion (A): Gauss's law of magnetism is different from that for electrostatics.
Reason (R): Isolated magnetic poles are known to exist.
c) A is true but R is false
7) Assertion (A): Gauss theorem is not applicable in magnetism.
Reason (R): Magnetic mono pole does not exist.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
8) Assertion (A): The basic difference between magnetic lines of force and electric lines of
force is electric lines of force are discontinuous and magnetic lines of force are continuous.
Reason (R): Magnetic lines of force exist in a magnet but no electric lines of force exist in
a charged body.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
9) Assertion (A): The magnetic field configuration with 3 poles is not possible.
Reason (R): No torque acts on a bar magnet itself due to its own field.
b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
10) Assertion (A): The sensitivity of a moving coil galvanometer is increased by placing a
soft iron core inside the coil.
Reason (A): Soft iron cannot be easily magnetized or demagnetized.
c) A is true but R is false
11) Assertion (A): To protect any instrument from external magnetic field, it is put inside
an iron body.
Reason (R): Iron has high permeability.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(As the gauss law in magnetic circuit states that ϕ = ∫B.ds = 0, the magnetic flux inside
any closed loop is always zero and hence to protect any instrument from external
magnetic field, it is put inside an iron body. Iron is a magnetic substance with high
permeability, hence inside it the flux is zero and it acts as a shield.)
12) Assertion (A): Ferromagnetic substances become paramagnetic beyond Curie
temperature.
Reason (R): Domains are destroyed at high temperature.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
13) Assertion (A): Paramagnetic materials repel field lines of external field.
Reason (R): Paramagnetic materials have net magnetic dipole moment in the absence of
external field.
d) A is false and R is also false
14) Assertion (A): Diamagnetic materials repel field lines of external field.
Reason (R): Diamagnetic materials have permanent magnetic dipole moment.
c) A is true but R is false
15) ASSERTION (A): Ferro-magnetic substances become paramagnetic above Curie
temperature.
REASON (R): Domains are destroyed at high temperature.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
 (Susceptibility of ferro-magnets decreases with increase of temperature. At a transition
temperature called Curie temperature they pass over to paramagnets. When temperature
is increased, dipoles acquire kinetic energy and are disoriented, hence domain internal
interaction disappears.)
16) ASSERTION (A): The ferromagnetic substances do not obey Curie‟s law.
REASON (R): At Curie point a ferromagnetic substances start behaving as a paramagnetic
substance.
b) Both A and R are true and R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(The susceptibility of ferromagnetic substance decreases with the rise of temperature in a
complicated manner. After Curie point the susceptibility of ferromagnetic substance
varies inversely with its absolute temperature. Ferromagnetic substance obeys Curie's law
only above its Curie point.)
17) Assertion (A): Diamagnetic material can exhibit magnetism
Reason (R): Diamagnetic materials have permanent magnetic dipole moment.
(c) A is true but R is false.
18) Assertion (A): A paramagnetic sample display greater magnetisation (for the same
magnetic field) when cooled.
Reason (R): The magnetisation does not depend on temperature.
(c) A is true but R is false.

DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS

The magnetic field lines:

1) Write the four important properties of the magnetic field lines due to a bar magnet.
(i) Magnetic field lines always form continuous closed loops. ……………(½ m)
(ii) The tangent to the magnetic field line at a given point represents the direction of the net
magnetic field at that point. ……………(½ m)
(iii) The larger the number of field lines crossing per unit area, the stronger is the magnitude
of the magnetic field. ……………(½ m)
(iv) Magnetic field lines do not intersect. ……………(½ m)

2) Why cannot two magnetic field lines due to a bar magnet cross each other?
Two magnetic field lines can never intersect each other because if they do there will be
two directions of the field at the same point, which is impossible. ……………(1 m)

Bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid:

1) Define the term magnetic moment of a current loop.
Magnetic moment of a current loop is equal to the product of current flowing in the loop
and its area. Its direction is along area vector as per the right handed screw rule.
⃗⃗⃗ = I ⃗ ……………(1 m)

2) Derive an expression for the axial magnetic field of a finite solenoid of length 2l and
radius a carrying current I. [Note: Derivation is deleted. Final formula is in the syllabus.]
 Let us consider a solenoid of length „2l‟ and
radius „a‟ consisting of „n‟ turns per unit length. Let
„I‟ be the current in the solenoid.
To evaluate the axial field at a point „P‟, at a
distance „r‟ from the centre O of the solenoid,
consider a circular element of thickness „dx‟ of the
solenoid at a distance „x‟ from its centre. It consists of
“n dx” turns. Diagram with explanation……(1 m)
The magnitude of the field at point P due to the circular element is,
dB =

The magnitude of the total field is, B = ∫

For the far axial field of the solenoid, i.e., for r >> a and r >> l,
r3
and B = ∫ = ∫ = 2l
B= = = =
(Where, m = total number of turns × current × cross-sectional area = N x I x π a2)
This is also the far axial magnetic field of a bar magnet.
Thus, a bar magnet and a solenoid produce similar magnetic fields. The magnetic moment
of a bar magnet is thus equal to the magnetic moment of an equivalent solenoid that
produces the same magnetic field. ……………(3 m)

3) Under what condition does the field by a solenoid become equivalent to that produced by
a bar magnet? Or Justify the fact that a current carrying solenoid is equivalent to a bar
magnet.
i) The magnetic field lines for a bar magnet resemble with that of a solenoid.
ii) By cutting a bar magnet or a solenoid in half, we get two smaller magnets/solenoids
with weaker magnetic properties. The field lines remain continuous, emerging from one
face of the solenoid and entering into the other face.
iii) The axial field of a finite solenoid ( ) is equal to the far axial magnetic
field of a bar magnet.
Thus, the magnetic moment of a bar magnet is thus equal to the magnetic moment of an
equivalent solenoid that produces the same magnetic field.

4) A circular coil of N turns and radius R carries a current I. It is unwound and rewound to
make another coil of radius , current I remaining the same. Calculate the ratio of the
magnetic moments of the new coil and the original coil.
We have:
N1.2πR = N2. 2π ( ) ……………(½ m)
∴ N2 = 2 N1
Magnetic moment of a coil, m = N I A ……………(½ m)
For the coil of radius „R‟,
m1 = N1 I A1 = N1 I π R2
For the coil of radius ,
 m2 = N2 I A2 = 2 N1 I π = N1 I π ……………(½ m)

⇒ m2 : m1 = =1:2 ……………(½ m)

5) A (hypothetical) bar magnet (AB) is cut into two equal parts. One part is now kept over
the other, so that pole C2 is above C1. If M is the magnetic moment of the original magnet,
what would be the magnetic moment of the combination so formed?
The magnetic moment of each half bar magnet is but oppositely
directed, so net magnetic moment of combination = – = zero.
……………(2 m)

The dipole in a uniform magnetic field:

1) Compute the torque experienced by a magnetic needle in a uniform magnetic field.
A small compass needle of known magnetic moment „m‟ is placed in an external
magnetic field (⃗ ) and is allowed to oscillate in the magnetic field.
Torque on the needle, ⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗ x ⃗ or τ = m B sinθ (restoring torque)
The magnetic potential energy Um is given by,
Um = ∫ dθ = ∫ dθ
=mB - )
Choosing = , we get, Um = mB , - )=-mB = - ⃗⃗⃗ . ⃗
Potential energy is minimum (= – mB) at θ = 0º (most stable position) and
Potential energy is maximum (= +mB) at θ = 180º (most unstable position).….……(2m)

2) Which orientations of the magnetic dipole in a uniform magnetic field will correspond to
its stable equilibrium and unstable equilibrium?
When the angle between the magnetic dipole moment and magnetic field is 0o i.e. both
are parallel to each other, then the magnetic dipole is said to be in stable equilibrium.
When the angle between the magnetic dipole moment and magnetic field is 180 o i.e.
both are antiparallel to each other, then the magnetic dipole is said to be in unstable
equilibrium.

3) A short bar magnet placed with its axis at 30° with an external field of 800 G experiences
a torque of 0.016 Nm. (a) What is the magnetic moment of the magnet? (b) What is the
work done in moving it from its most stable to most unstable position? (c) The bar magnet
is replaced by a solenoid of cross-sectional area 2 × 10–4 m2 and 1000 turns, but of the same
magnetic moment. Determine the current flowing through the solenoid.
(a) τ = m B sin θ, θ = 30°, hence sin 30 = .
0.016 = m × (800 × 10–4 T) ×
m= = 0.40 A m2 ……………(1 m)
(b) the most stable position is θ = 0° and the most unstable position is θ = 180°. Work done
is given by
W = Um (θ = 180°) − Um (θ = 0°) = − m B cos 180 – (− m B cos 0)
= − m B (-1) – (− m B (1))
 = 2 m B = 2 × 0.40 × 800 × 10–4 = 0.064 J ..………(1 m)
(c) ms = NIA. From part (a), ms = 0.40 A m2
0.40 = 1000 × I × 2 × 10–4
I= =2A ……………(1 m)

3) (a) What happens if a bar magnet is cut into two pieces: (i) transverse to its length,
(ii)along its length?
(b) A magnetised needle in a uniform magnetic field experiences a torque but no net force.
An iron nail near a bar magnet, however, experiences a force of attraction in addition to a
torque. Why?
(a) In either case, one gets two magnets, each with a north and south pole………(½ m)
(b) No force if the field is uniform. ……………(½ m)
The iron nail experiences a non-uniform field due to the bar magnet. There is induced
magnetic moment in the nail, therefore, it experiences both force and torque. The net force
is attractive because the induced south pole (say) in the nail is closer to the north pole of
magnet than induced north pole. ……………(1 m)

4) Two identical looking iron bars A and B are given, one of which is definitely known to
be magnetised. (We do not know which one.) How would one ascertain whether or not both
are magnetised? If only one is magnetised, how does one ascertain which one? [Use nothing
else but the bars A and B.]
Try to bring different ends of the bars closer. A repulsive force in some situation
establishes that both are magnetised. ……………(½ m)
If it is always attractive, then one of them is not magnetised. In a bar magnet the
intensity of the magnetic field is the strongest at the two ends (poles) and weakest at the
central region. This fact may be used to determine whether A or B is the magnet. In this
case, to see which one of the two bars is a magnet, pick up one, (say, A) and lower one of
its ends; first on one of the ends of the other (say, B), and then on the middle of B. If you
notice that in the middle of B, A experiences no force, then B is magnetised. If you do not
notice any change from the end to the middle of B, then A is magnetised. …………(1 ½ m)

5) A short bar magnet placed with its axis at 45° with an external field of 600 G experiences
a torque of 0.0707 N m. What is the magnetic moment of the magnet?
τ = m B sinθ, θ = 45°, hence sinθ = . ……………(½ m)
√
–4
Thus, 0.0707 = m × (600 × 10 T) × = m × (6 × 10–2 T) × 0.707
√
m= = 1.66 A m2. ……………(½ m)

6) A short bar magnet placed with its axis at 30° with an external field of 800 G experiences
a torque of 0.016 N m. What is the magnetic moment of the magnet?
τ = m B sinθ, θ = 30°, hence sinθ =1/2. ……………(½ m)
–4
Thus, 0.016 = m × (800 × 10 T) × (1/2)
m = 160 × 2/800 = 0.40 A m2. ……………(½ m)

7) A short bar magnet of magnetic moment m = 0.32 J T-1 is placed in a uniform magnetic
field of 0.15 T. If the bar is free to rotate in the plane of the field, which orientation would
correspond to its (a) stable and unstable equilibrium? (b) What is the potential energy of the
magnet in each case?
 a) When the angle (θ) between the magnetic dipole moment and magnetic field is 0o i.e.
both are parallel to each other, then the magnetic dipole is said to be in stable equilibrium.
When the angle between the magnetic dipole moment and magnetic field is 180 o i.e.
both are antiparallel to each other, then the magnetic dipole is said to be in unstable
equilibrium. ..………(1 m)
b) The potential energy of the given magnet in stable equilibrium is,
Um (θ = 0°) = − m B cos 0 = − m B (1)
= − 0.32 x 0.15 = - 0.048 J ..………(1 m)
The potential energy of the given magnet in unstable equilibrium is,
Um (θ = 180°) = − m B cos 180 = − m B (-1)
= 0.32 x 0.15 = 0.048 J ..………(1 m)

8) A bar magnet of magnetic moment 1.5 J T–1 lies aligned with the direction of a uniform
magnetic field of 0.22 T.
(a) What is the amount of work required by an external torque to turn the magnet so as to
align its magnetic moment: (i) normal to the field direction, (ii) opposite to the field
direction?
(b) What is the torque on the magnet in cases (i) and (ii)?
(a) (i) W = Um (θ = 90°) − Um (θ = 0°) = − m B cos 90 – (− m B cos 0)
= − m B (0) – (− m B (1))
= m B = 1.5 x 0.22 = 0.33 J ……………(1 m)
(ii) W = Um (θ = 180°) − Um (θ = 0°) = − m B cos 180 – (− m B cos 0)
= − m B (-1) – (− m B (1))
= 2 m B = 2 x 1.5 x 0.22 = 0.66 J ……………(1 m)
(b) (i) τ = m B sinθ = m B sin(90) = 1.5 x 0.22 x 1 = 0.33 N m ……………(½ m)
(ii) τ = m B sin180 = 0 ……………(½ m)

9) A closely wound solenoid of 2000 turns and area of cross-section 1.6 × 10–4 m2, carrying
a current of 4.0 A, is suspended through its centre allowing it to turn in a horizontal plane.
(a) What is the magnetic moment associated with the solenoid?
(b) What is the force and torque on the solenoid if a uniform horizontal magnetic field of
7.5×10–2 T is set up at an angle of 30° with the axis of the solenoid?
(a) m = N I A = 2000 x 4 x 1.6 x 10-4 = 1.28 A m2 ……………(1 m)
(b) Since the magnetic field is uniform on the solenoid, the (net) force acting on the
solenoid is zero. ……………(½ m)
Torque is given by,
τ = m B sinθ ……………(½ m)
−2
= 1.28×7.5×10 sin30
= 1.28×7.5×10−2 ×
= 0.048 J ……………(1 m)
The direction of the torque is such that the solenoid tends to align the axis of the
solenoid (magnetic moment vector) along the direction of the magnetic field ⃗ .

The electrostatic analog:

1) A short bar magnet has a magnetic moment of 0.48 J T–1. Give the direction and
magnitude of the magnetic field produced by the magnet at a distance of 10 cm from the
centre of the magnet on (a) the axis, (b) the equatorial lines (normal bisector) of the magnet.
 (a) on the axis: B =
= 10-7 x = 0.96 x 10-4 T ……………(1 m)
The direction is away from magnet on the axis on the North-side and towards the magnet
on the axis on the South-side. ……………(½ m)
(b) on the normal bisector: B =
= 10-7 x = 0.48 x 10-4 T ……………(1 m)
Direction at equatorial line is same as direction from north pole to south pole ....……(½ m)

Magnetism and Gauss’s law:

1) State Gauss's law for magnetism. Explain its significance.
Gauss's law for magnetism states that “The total flux of the magnetic field, through any
closed surface, is always zero”. i.e., ∮ ⃗ . ⃗ = 0. ……………(1 m)
This law implies that magnetic monopoles do not exist / magnetic field lines form
closed loops. ……………(1 m)

2) (a) Magnetic field lines can be entirely confined within the core of a toroid, but not
within a straight solenoid. Why?
(b) If magnetic monopoles existed, how would the Gauss‟s law of magnetism be modified?
(a) If field lines were entirely confined between two ends of a straight solenoid, the flux
through the cross-section at each end would be non-zero. But the flux of field B through
any closed surface must always be zero. For a toroid, this difficulty is absent because it has
no „ends‟ .. ...………(1 m)
(b) If monopoles existed, Gauss‟s law of magnetism would become: ∫S ⃗ . ⃗ = μ0 qm
where qm is the (monopole) magnetic charge enclosed by S. ……………(1 m)

Magnetisation and magnetic intensity:

1) Define intensity of magnetisation of a magnetic material.
Intensity of magnetisation M of a sample is defined as the net magnetic moment
developed per unit volume of the material when it is placed in the external magnetic field.
……………(1 m)
−1
2) A magnetising field of 50 A m produces a magnetic field of induction 0.024 T in a bar
of length 8 cm and area of cross section 1.5 cm2. Calculate the magnetic permeability.
Permeability μ = ……………(½ m)
= = 4.8 x 10-4 H/m ……………(½ m)

3) A solenoid has a core of a material with relative permeability 400. The windings of the
solenoid are insulated from the core and carry a current of 2 A. If the number of turns is
1000 per metre, calculate (a) H, (b) M, (c) B and (d) the magnetising current Im.
(a) The field H is dependent of the material of the core, and is
H = n I = 1000 × 2.0 = 2 ×103 A/m. ……………(½ m)
(b) The magnetic field B is given by
B = μ H = μ r μo H
= 400 × 4π ×10–7 × 2 × 103
= 1.0 T ……………(1 m)
 (c) Magnetisation is given by
M =  = (μr – 1) H
= (400 – 1) H = 399 × H = 399 x 2 × 103 = 798 × 103
8 × 105 A/m ……………(½ m)
(d) The magnetising current Im is the additional current that needs to be passed through the
windings of the solenoid in the absence of the core which would give a B value as in the
presence of the core. Thus,
B = μo n (I + Im).
= I + Im  Im = –I= – 2 = 796 - 2 = 794 A. ……………(1 m)

Magnetic properties of materials:

1) Write any four points of differences between dia, para and ferromagnetic materials. Give
two examples for each.
Properties Diamagnetism Paramagnetism Ferromagnetism
Susceptibility –1 ≤ χ < 0 (negative) 0<χ<ε χ >> 1
(for superconductors, χ = (positive and small) (positive and large)
-1)
Relative 0 ≤ μr < 1 1< μr < 1+ ε μr >>1
permeability (for superconductors, μr (greater than one) (positive and very
= 0) large)
In non-uniform Diamagnetic substances They have a tendency They have strong
external field have a tendency to move to move from a region tendency to move
from stronger part to the of weak magnetic field from a region of weak
weaker part of the to strong magnetic magnetic field to
external magnetic field. field. strong magnetic field
When kept near A magnet would repel a Paramagnetic They get strongly
a diamagnetic substance. substances get weakly magnetised when
magnet/external attracted to a magnet placed in an external
field (or) weakly magnetic field.
magnetised when
placed in an external
magnetic field.
External The field lines are The field lines get In a ferromagnetic
magnetic field repelled or expelled and concentrated inside the material, the field
lines the field inside the material and the field lines are highly
material is reduced inside is enhanced. concentrated.
(slightly).

Magnetic In diamagnetic The individual atoms The individual atoms

moment in an substances the resultant (or ions or molecules) (or ions or molecules)
atom magnetic moment in an of a paramagnetic in a ferromagnetic
atom is zero. material possess a material possess a
permanent magnetic dipole moment as in a
dipole moment of their paramagnetic
 own. material.
No net magnetisation
is seen.
Net magnetic The diamagnetic The paramagnetic The domains
moment in substance develops a net substance develops a Orient themselves in
external field magnetic moment in net magnetic moment the direction of the
direction opposite to that along the direction the applied field.
of the applied field. applied field.
Temperature Susceptibility is nearly χ of a paramagnetic Susceptibility is
dependence of χ temperature independent. material is inversely inversely proportional
proportional to the to temperature.
absolute temperature Above the Curie
T. temperature,
χ= χ=

Magnetisation
(M) Vs
Magnetising
field (H)
Examples Some diamagnetic Some paramagnetic Alnico (an alloy of
materials are bismuth, materials are iron, aluminium,
copper, lead, silicon, aluminium, sodium, nickel, cobalt
nitrogen (at STP), water calcium, oxygen (at and copper), iron,
and sodium chloride. STP) and copper cobalt, nickel,
chloride. gadolinium, etc.
Any four points……………(2 m)
Two examples for each……………(1 m)

2) The susceptibility of a magnetic material is – 2.6 × 105. Identify the type of magnetic
material. Draw the modification of the field pattern on keeping a piece of this material in a
uniform magnetic field.
The material is diamagnetic material. ……………(1 m)

……………(1 m)

3) The susceptibility of a magnetic material is 0.9853. Identify the type of magnetic

material. Draw the modification of the field pattern on keeping a piece of this material in a
uniform magnetic field.
The material is paramagnetic material. ……………(1 m)
 ……………(1 m)

4) Relative permeability of a material, µr = 0.5. Identify the nature of the magnetic material.
Diamagnetic material ……………(1 m)

5) Relative permeability of a material, µr = 1000. Identify the nature of the magnetic

material.
Ferromagnetic material ……………(1 m)

6) Draw the magnetic field lines for a current carrying solenoid when a rod made of
aluminium is inserted within the solenoid.

7) Draw the magnetic field lines for a current carrying solenoid when a rod made of copper
is inserted within the solenoid.

8) Draw the magnetic field lines for a current carrying solenoid when a rod made of
(i)copper, (ii) aluminium and (iii) iron are inserted within the solenoid.

9) How does intensity of magnetisation vary with temperature for a paramagnetic material?
Intensity of magnetisation of a paramagnetic material varies inversely with its
temperature T before saturation. ……………(1 m)

10) Write the expression of Curie‟s law for paramagnetic materials.

 or M = ……………(1 m)

11) Write the expression of Curie‟s law for ferromagnetic materials.

 ……………(1 m)