Magnetic moment of a loop formed by a revolving electron

In summary, an electron moving on a computer screen from top to bottom and a magnetic field acting outwards towards the face cause the electron to revolve in an anti-clockwise direction. This results in the current flowing in a clockwise direction. The magnetic moment, when visualized, is in the opposite direction of the magnetic field lines and leads to an unstable equilibrium. The potential energy in this situation can be calculated using the formula P.E. = - \vec{m} . \vec{B}. The system can arrange itself to a maximum energy configuration because the velocity vector of a charged particle and the magnetic flux density are in opposite directions on a line. This means that no magnetic force is applied to revolve the particle. However, this
  • #1
blitz.km
46
0
Consider a situation.

If an electron is moving on your computer screen from top to bottom and the magnetic field is acting outwards towards your face, the electron revolves in anti-clockwise direction..

So we can say that the current is flowing in clockwise direction.
Magnetic moment when visualized comes in direction opposite to magnetic field lines.. which is the condition for unstable equilibrium.
So, potential energy = maximum using the formula [tex]P.E. = - \vec{m} . \vec{B}[/tex]

How is this possible? How can a system arrange itself to a maximum energy configuration??
 
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  • #2
Please help guys!
 
  • #3
blitz.km said:
If an electron is moving on your computer screen from top to bottom and the magnetic field is acting outwards towards your face, the electron revolves in anti-clockwise direction..

Velocity vector v of q charged particle and the magnetic flux density B are in opposite direction on a line. qvXB=0. No magnetic force apply to revolve particle.

Regards.
 
  • #4
sweet springs said:
Velocity vector v of q charged particle and the magnetic flux density B are in opposite direction on a line. qvXB=0. No magnetic force apply to revolve particle.

Regards.

no man you are going wrong here..
could some one please please check this out and explain.
 
  • #5


I can explain this phenomenon using the principles of electromagnetism. The magnetic moment of a loop formed by a revolving electron is a result of the electron's spin and its orbital motion around the nucleus. This motion creates a tiny magnetic field, known as the magnetic moment, which is perpendicular to the plane of the electron's orbit.

In the given scenario, the electron is moving in an anti-clockwise direction, creating a magnetic moment in the opposite direction to the external magnetic field acting towards your face. This creates a state of unstable equilibrium, where the electron experiences a torque due to the interaction between its magnetic moment and the external field.

The potential energy of this system can be calculated using the formula P.E. = - \vec{m} . \vec{B}, where \vec{m} is the magnetic moment and \vec{B} is the external magnetic field. In this case, the potential energy is at its maximum, indicating that the system is in a state of unstable equilibrium.

It may seem counterintuitive that a system would arrange itself to a maximum energy configuration, but this is a consequence of the laws of electromagnetism. In this scenario, the electron is in a state of unstable equilibrium because it is constantly trying to align its magnetic moment with the external field, but due to its orbital motion, it cannot achieve a stable alignment.

Overall, the magnetic moment of a loop formed by a revolving electron is a result of the complex interactions between the electron's spin, orbital motion, and external magnetic field. Understanding these principles allows us to explain the behavior of the system and its potential energy configuration.
 

FAQ: Magnetic moment of a loop formed by a revolving electron

What is the definition of magnetic moment?

The magnetic moment of a loop formed by a revolving electron is a measure of the strength and direction of its magnetic field. It is a vector quantity that is determined by the current and surface area of the loop.

How is magnetic moment related to angular momentum?

Magnetic moment and angular momentum are directly proportional to each other. The magnitude of the magnetic moment is equal to the product of the current, area, and angular momentum of the loop.

What is the direction of the magnetic moment in a revolving electron?

The direction of the magnetic moment in a revolving electron is perpendicular to both the direction of current flow and the axis of rotation of the loop.

How does changing the radius of the loop affect the magnetic moment?

The magnetic moment of a loop formed by a revolving electron is directly proportional to the area of the loop, which is affected by the radius. As the radius increases, the magnetic moment also increases.

What is the SI unit of magnetic moment?

The SI unit of magnetic moment is ampere-square meter (A·m2) in the MKS (meter-kilogram-second) system and joule per tesla (J/T) in the SI (International System of Units) system.

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