Question

What are the three different orientations of a magnetic dipole moment in a constant magnetic field?

1) Parallel to the magnetic field lines
2) Perpendicular to the magnetic field lines
3) At an angle to the magnetic field lines

Answer 1

The three orientations of a magnetic dipole moment in a magnetic field are parallel, perpendicular, and angled relative to the field lines, with the stable alignment being parallel.

Step-by-step explanation:

The three different orientations of a magnetic dipole moment in a constant magnetic field are:

1. Parallel to the magnetic field lines.
2. Perpendicular to the magnetic field lines.
3. At an angle to the magnetic field lines.

According to the Essential Knowledge, a magnetic dipole, such as those present in atoms, will tend to align with the magnetic field vector. This is due to the magnetic field lines being defined by the direction a small compass would point when placed in the field, which is the tendency of the dipole moment to align with the field lines. A stable orientation happens when it is in the parallel configuration, minimizing the potential energy of the system. If perturbed, a dipole might oscillate about this stable orientation but ultimately tends to return to being aligned with the field. In the context of materials like paramagnetic ones, a number of these dipoles will align with the field, affecting the material's response to the external magnetic field.