Figure shows a current carrying square loop ABCD of edge length is 'a' lying in a plane. If the resistance of the ABC part is r and that of ADC part is 2r, then the magnitude of the resultant magnetic field at centre of the square loop is:
Biot-Savart Law loop diagram for Q14 - JEE Main 2025 Evening
A schematic of a square current loop labeled ABCD with path ABC having resistance r and path ADC having resistance 2r, causing incoming current to divide.

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula
Bwire = (μ₀ I)/(4π d) ( θ₁ + θ₂)

where, Bwire = magnetic field due to a straight wire segment d = perpendicular distance from center to wire segment (d = a/2) θ₁, θ₂ = subtended angles at the center

Core Logic

The loop parts ABC and ADC are in parallel. Let total current entering corner A and leaving corner C be I.

  • Resistance of path ABC = r
  • Resistance of path ADC = 2r
  • Using current divider rule:

  • Current in path ABC, I₁ = (2r)/(r + 2r) I = (2)/(3) I
  • Current in path ADC, I₂ = (r)/(r + 2r) I = (1)/(3) I
  • Now, calculate the magnetic field contribution at center O:

  • Distance of center from each of the 4 wire segments is d = (a)/(2).
  • For each segment, the angles are θ₁ = θ₂ = 45^°:
Bsegment = (μ₀ i)/(4π (a/2)) ( 45^° + 45^°) = (μ₀ i)/(2π a) √(2)
Step 1: Summing the Fields at the Center

Using right-hand rule to find the direction of magnetic fields:

  • Paths AB and BC (carrying I₁ clockwise) create fields pointing into the page (- k).
  • Paths AD and DC (carrying I₂ counter-clockwise) create fields pointing out of the page (+ k).
Bₙₑₜ = 2 Bsegment(I₂) - 2 Bsegment(I₁) Bₙₑₜ = 2 [ (μ₀ (I/3))/(2π a) √(2) ] - 2 [ (μ₀ (2I/3))/(2π a) √(2) ] Bₙₑₜ = √(2)μ₀ Iπ a ( (1)/(3) - (2)/(3) ) = - √(2)μ₀ I3π a k

Taking the magnitude of the field:

|Bₙₑₜ| = √(2)μₒ I3π a
Pattern Recognition

Sees: Current divides into parallel paths of a symmetric loop. Trap: In a completely symmetric square loop (equal resistances), the net magnetic field at the center is exactly 0. However, here the paths have unequal resistances (r and 2r), which prevents total cancellation. Shortcut: Find the net effective current imbalance Δ I = I₁ - I₂ = (2)/(3)I - (1)/(3)I = (1)/(3)I. The magnitude is simply the magnetic field contribution of two sides carrying this net imbalance. ✓

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Magnetic Effects of Current

Biot-Savart loop schematic mapping
A schematic of a square current loop labeled ABCD with path ABC having resistance r and path ADC having resistance 2r, causing incoming current to divide.

Reference Study Guides

More Magnetic Effects of Current Previous-Year Questions — Page 8

Q56 jee_main_2024_30_january_evening Magnetic Field of a Square Loop
The current of 5 ~A flows in a square loop of sides 1 ~m is placed in air. The magnetic field at the centre of the loop is X√(2) × 10⁻⁷ T. The value of X is ________
Numerical Answer. Answer: 40 to 40

Solution

Related Formula
B = (μ₀ i)/(4π d) ( θ₁ + θ₂)
Core Logic

For a square loop of side length a, the perpendicular distance from the center to any side is d = (a)/(2). The angles subtended by the ends of one side at the center are θ₁ = θ₂ = 45^°. Since there are 4 identical sides contributing to the field in the same direction, the total magnetic field is 4 times the field due to one side.

Step 1: Calculate Field for One Side
B₁ = (μ₀ i)/(4π (a/2)) ( 45^° + 45^°) B₁ = 4π × 10⁻⁷ × 54π × 0.5 ( 1√(2) + 1√(2) ) B₁ = 10⁻⁷ × 50.5 × 2√(2) = 10 × 10⁻⁷ × √(2)
Step 2: Total Magnetic Field
Btotal = 4 × B₁ = 4 × 10√(2) × 10⁻⁷ ~T Btotal = 40√(2) × 10⁻⁷ ~T

Comparing with X√(2) × 10⁻⁷ T, we get X = 40.

Pattern Recognition

The magnetic field at the center of an n-sided regular polygon carrying current I and circumscribed by circle of radius R is B = (μ₀ n I)/(2π R) ((π)/(n)). Or simply use B = 4 × Bwire.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Moving Charges and Magnetism

Q39 jee_main_2024_30_jan_morning Magnetic Field at the Center of a Loop
Two insulated circular loop A and B radius 'a' carrying a current of 'I' in the anti clockwise direction as shown in figure. The magnitude of the magnetic induction at the centre will be :
Magnetic Field at the Center of a Loop diagram for Q39 - JEE Main 2024 Morning
Two circular current carrying loops placed orthogonally.
  • A. √(2) μ₀ Ia
  • B. (μ₀ I)/(2 a)
  • C. μ₀ I√(2) a
  • D. (2 μ₀ I)/(a)

Solution

Related Formula
B = (μ₀ I)/(2R) Bₙₑₜ = √(B₁² + B₂²) (for mutually perpendicular fields)
Core Logic

The two loops are mutually perpendicular to each other. The magnetic field at the center due to each loop acts along their respective normal axes, meaning the two resulting magnetic field vectors are orthogonal (90^° apart).

Vector resolution showing orthogonal B fields.
Two circular current carrying loops placed orthogonally.

Step 1: Calculate Individual Fields

Magnetic field at the center due to loop A:

BA = (μ₀ I)/(2a)

Magnetic field at the center due to loop B:

BB = (μ₀ I)/(2a)
Step 2: Resultant Magnetic Field

Since BA and BB are perpendicular to each other:

Bₙₑₜ = √(BA² + BB²) Bₙₑₜ = √(((μ₀ I)/(2a))² + ((μ₀ I)/(2a))²) Bₙₑₜ = (μ₀ I)/(2a) √(2) = √(2) μ₀ I2a = μ₀ I√(2) a
Pattern Recognition

When two identical physical sources generate orthogonal vector fields of magnitude B, the resultant is simply √(2)B.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Moving Charges and Magnetism

Q51 jee_main_2024_30_jan_morning Magnetic Force on Current Carrying Wire
The horizontal component of earth's magnetic field at a place is 3.5 × 10⁻⁵ ~T. A very long straight conductor carrying current of √(2) ~A in the direction from South east to North West is placed. The force per unit length experienced by the conductor is × 10⁻⁶ ~N/m.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 35 to 35

Solution

Related Formula
F = I L B θ (F)/(L) = I B θ
Core Logic

Earth's horizontal magnetic field (BH) points strictly from South to North. The conductor is aligned from South-East to North-West. Thus, the angle θ between the current flow direction (SE to NW) and Earth's magnetic field (S to N) is exactly 45^°.

Step 1: Compute Force per Unit Length

BH = 3.5 × 10⁻⁵ ~T i = √(2) ~A θ = 45^°

(F)/( ) = i BH θ (F)/( ) = √(2) × (3.5 × 10⁻⁵) × 1√(2) (F)/( ) = 3.5 × 10⁻⁵ ~N/m (F)/( ) = 35 × 10⁻⁶ ~N/m
Step 2: Extract Value

The required multiplier for 10⁻⁶ is 35.

Pattern Recognition

Geographical alignments often yield clean angles like 45^° or 90^°. S-N field intersecting SE-NW current creates a 45^° angular intersection, perfectly canceling the √(2) amp current.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Moving Charges and Magnetism Class 12 Physics: Magnetism and Matter

Q32 jee_main_2024_31_jan_evening Torque on a Current Loop
A uniform magnetic field of 2 × 10⁻³ T acts along positive Y-direction. A rectangular loop of sides 20 cm and 10 cm with current of 5 A is Y-Z plane. The current is in anticlockwise sense with reference to negative X axis. Magnitude and direction of the torque is :
  • A. 2 × 10⁻⁴ N-m along positive Z-direction
  • B. 2 × 10⁻⁴ N-m along negative Z-direction
  • C. 2 × 10⁻⁴ N-m along positive X-direction
  • D. 2 × 10⁻⁴ N-m along positive Y-direction

Solution

Related Formula
M = i A τ = M × B
Core Logic

The area vector A is perpendicular to the plane of the loop. According to the right-hand rule, an anticlockwise current observed from the negative X-axis means the area vector points in the negative X-direction.

Torque on a Current Loop diagram for Q32 - JEE Main 2024 Evening
Torque on a Current Loop diagram for Q32 - JEE Main 2024 Evening

Torque on a Current Loop diagram for Q32 - JEE Main 2024 Evening
Torque on a Current Loop diagram for Q32 - JEE Main 2024 Evening

Step 1: Calculating Magnetic Moment

Area of the loop, A = 0.2 m × 0.1 m = 0.02 m²

Magnetic moment vector:

M = i A M = 5 × (0.2) × (0.1) (- i) M = 0.1(- i) A m²
Step 2: Calculating Torque

The magnetic field is B = 2 × 10⁻³ j T.

Torque on the loop:

τ = M × B τ = 0.1(- i) × (2 × 10⁻³ j) τ = 2 × 10⁻⁴ (- k) N-m
Step 3: Final Direction

The - k direction corresponds to the negative Z-direction. Magnitude is 2 × 10⁻⁴ N-m.

Pattern Recognition

Identify the plane of the loop to get the possible normal vectors. Since the loop is in the Y-Z plane, A must be ± i. 'Anticlockwise from -X' fixes it as - i. Simply apply cross product - i × j = - k.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Moving Charges and Magnetism

Q56 jee_main_2024_31_jan_evening Magnetic Field at the Center of a Coil
Two circular coils P and Q of 100 turns each have same radius of π cm. The currents in P and Q are 1 A and 2 A respectively. P and Q are placed with their planes mutually perpendicular with their centers coincide. The resultant magnetic field induction at the center of the coils is √(x) mT, where x = [Use μ₀ = 4π × 10⁻⁷ T m A⁻¹]
Numerical Answer. Answer: 20 to 20

Solution

Related Formula
B = (μ₀ N i)/(2r)

Bₙₑₜ = √(B₁² + B₂²) (for mutually perpendicular planes)

Core Logic

Calculate the magnetic field generated by each coil at their common center. Since the planes of the coils are perpendicular, their axial magnetic field vectors are also mutually perpendicular.

Magnetic Field at the Center of a Coil diagram for Q56 - JEE Main 2024 Evening
Magnetic Field at the Center of a Coil diagram for Q56 - JEE Main 2024 Evening

Step 1: Calculate Individual Fields

Radius r = π cm = π × 10⁻² m. N = 100 iP = 1 A, iQ = 2 A.

For coil P:

BP = (μ₀ N iP)/(2r) = (4π × 10⁻⁷) × 100 × 12 × π × 10⁻² BP = 4 × 10⁻⁵2 × 10⁻² = 2 × 10⁻³ T = 2 mT

For coil Q:

BQ = (μ₀ N iQ)/(2r) = (4π × 10⁻⁷) × 100 × 22 × π × 10⁻² = 4 × 10⁻³ T = 4 mT
Step 2: Calculate Resultant Field
Bₙₑₜ = √(BP² + BQ²) Bₙₑₜ = √(2² + 4²) = √(4 + 16) = √(20) mT
Step 3: Extract x

Given format is √(x) mT, so x = 20.

Pattern Recognition

For concentric perpendicular coils of same radius and turns, Bₙₑₜ = B₀ √(i₁² + i₂²) where B₀ is the base field for 1 A. This speeds up calculation considerably.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Moving Charges and Magnetism

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