Question

If R is the distance from a magnetic dipole, then the magnetic field it produces is proportional

to:
A. R
B. 1/R
C. R^2
D. 1/R^2
E. 1/R^3

Answer 1

The magnetic field produced by a magnetic dipole decreases as 1/R^3 with the increase in distance R from the dipole.

Step-by-step explanation:

If R is the distance from a magnetic dipole, then the magnetic field it produces is proportional to 1/R^3. This is due to the dipole field falling off more quickly with distance compared to the field from a single magnetic pole. The correct answer to the question is E. 1/R^3. For example, the magnetic field B created by a dipole at large distances behaves such that B ≈ µ_0/(4π) * (m × R)/(R^3), where µ_0 is the magnetic permeability of free space, m is the magnetic moment of the dipole, and R is the distance from the dipole.