Question

An atom is placed in a uniform magnetic induction B such that the normal to that plane of the electron’s orbit makes an angle of 30o with the magnetic induction. The torque acting on the orbiting electron is:

a. Bsin(30° )
b. Bcos(30 ° )
c. Btan(30 ° )
d. Bcot(30°)

Answer 1

The torque acting on an electron in a magnetic field, with its orbit's normal at an angle of 30 degrees to the induction, is given by the magnetic moment times the magnetic field times the sine of the angle, resulting in an expression μB sin(30°).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is about calculating the torque acting on an orbiting electron in a magnetic field when the normal to the plane of the electron's orbit makes an angle of 30 degrees with the magnetic induction. The torque on a magnetic dipole in a magnetic field is given by the cross product of the magnetic moment (μ) and the magnetic field (B), which results in a magnitude of μB sin(θ). Since the provided angle is 30 degrees and the question asks for the torque, the correct answer is the magnitude of the torque given by (magnetic moment) x (magnetic induction) x sin(30°), which simplifies to μB sin(30°).