Question:medium

For a given length \(L\) of a wire carrying a current \(I\), how many circular turns will produce the maximum magnetic moment?

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For fixed wire length, \[ M=NIA = \frac{IL^2}{4\pi N}. \] Thus magnetic moment decreases as the number of turns increases.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • \(1\)
  • \(L\)
  • \(LI\)
  • \(L+I\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: The quantity we want to maximise.
Magnetic moment is $M=NIA$, where $N$ is the number of turns and $A$ is the area enclosed by one turn. The wire length $L$ and current $I$ are fixed.

Step 2: Tie the turns to the fixed length.
If the same wire is wound into $N$ circular turns of radius $r$, the total length used is \[ L=N(2\pi r),\quad\text{so}\quad r=\frac{L}{2\pi N}. \]

Step 3: Area of one turn.
\[ A=\pi r^2=\pi\left(\frac{L}{2\pi N}\right)^2=\frac{L^2}{4\pi N^2}. \]

Step 4: Plug into the magnetic moment.
\[ M=N I A=N I\cdot\frac{L^2}{4\pi N^2}=\frac{I L^2}{4\pi N}. \]

Step 5: See how $M$ depends on $N$.
Since $M\propto\dfrac{1}{N}$, the moment shrinks as the number of turns rises. So fewer turns give more moment.

Step 6: Pick the smallest possible $N$.
The least number of turns you can make is one. So a single loop gives the largest magnetic moment.
\[ \boxed{N=1} \]
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