Question

Following figures show the arrangement of bar magnets in different configurations. Each magnet has magnetic dipole moment $\overrightarrow{m}$ . Which configuration has highest net magnetic dipole moment?

• A. -1
• B. -2
• C. -3
• D. -4

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine which configuration of bar magnets has the highest net magnetic dipole moment, we need to consider how the magnetic dipole moments of individual magnets combine in each configuration. Each magnet has a magnetic dipole moment represented by $\overrightarrow{m}$.

The net magnetic dipole moment depends on the vector sum of the magnetic dipole moments of all the magnets in the configuration. Let's analyze each option:

1. Configuration 1: If the magnets are aligned such that their dipole moments are in opposite directions, they would cancel each other out, resulting in a net magnetic dipole moment of zero.
2. Configuration 2: Similar to the first, if the dipole moments are oriented in opposing directions, they will partially or completely cancel, depending on their alignment.
3. Configuration 3: Assume here that the magnets are aligned such that their magnetic dipole moments add constructively (all in the same direction), leading to a maximum net magnetic dipole moment of $n \cdot \overrightarrow{m}$, where $n$ is the number of magnets.
4. Configuration 4: Similar logical deduction can be applied; if dipoles are in opposite directions, they cancel out each other.

Given that option 3 represents the scenario where all magnetic moments add up constructively without cancellation, this configuration will have the highest net magnetic dipole moment.

Conclusion: The configuration with the highest net magnetic dipole moment is option 3, where all the dipole moments of the magnets merge constructively.