Current Carrying Circular Loop-

 

Before you go through this article, make sure that you have gone through the previous article on Magnetic Field At Center of Current Carrying Circular Loop.

 

We have learnt-

• In 1820, Oersted discovered that a current carrying conductor produces a magnetic field around it.
• A current carrying circular loop produces a magnetic field around it.
• The magnetic field at the center of a current carrying circular loop is given by-

 

 

In this article, we will learn about the current carrying circular loop as a magnetic dipole.

 

Current Carrying Circular Loop As A Magnetic Dipole-

 

A magnetic dipole is an arrangement of two equal and opposite magnetic poles separated by some distance.

 

A current carrying circular loop behaves as a magnet / magnetic dipole.

 

The comparison of the magnetic field lines of the circular loop and a bar magnet shows that the two patterns are similar.

 

 

 

On observing the loop from one side,

• The current seems to flow in anticlockwise direction.
• Magnetic field lines emerge out the loop from this side.
• Hence, this side of the loop acts as a North pole.

 

 

On observing the loop from the other side,

• The current seems to flow in clockwise direction.
• Magnetic field lines enter the loop from this side.
• Hence, this side of the loop acts as a South pole.

 

 

Conclusion The side from which the magnetic field lines emerge out the loop acts as North pole. The side from which the magnetic field lines enter the loop acts as South pole.

 

Thus, we say that a current carrying circular loop behaves as a magnet / magnetic dipole.

 

NOTE It may be noted that every loop whether rectangular, square, hexagonal or elliptical acts as a magnet.

 

This can be verified by studying force on one current carrying loop due to a magnet or another current carrying loop.

 

Example-01:

 

 

Here, the loop and the magnet attract each other.

 

Example-02:

 

 

Here, the two loops attract each other.

 

MCQs Quiz-

MCQs Quiz

on Current Carrying Circular Loop As A Magnetic Dipole

 

Worksheet-

Worksheet

on Current Carrying Circular Loop As A Magnetic Dipole

 

Next Article-

Magnetic Dipole Moment of a Current Carrying Loop

 

Get more notes & other study material of the Chapter Moving Charges & Magnetism.