Question:medium

The magnetic field at a point P on the axis of a short bar magnet of magnetic moment M is B. If another short bar magnet of magnetic moment 2M is placed on the first magnet such that their axes are perpendicular and their centres coincide. The resultant magnetic field at the point P due to both the magnets is

Show Hint

Remember the key relationship for a short magnet: \(B_{axis} = 2 \times B_{equatorial}\) for the same magnet at the same distance. In this problem, the second magnet has twice the moment (2M) but P is on its equatorial line, which exactly cancels out the factor of 2 difference, making the two fields equal in magnitude.
Updated On: Mar 26, 2026
  • 3B
  • \(\sqrt{3}\)B
  • \(\sqrt{2}\)B
  • 2B
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Field due to the first magnet. Point P is on the axis (axial position) of the first magnet with moment \(M\). For a short magnet, the axial field is: \[ B_{axial} = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{2M}{d^3} \] Given that this value is \(B\). So, \( B = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{2M}{d^3} \).
Step 2: Field due to the second magnet. The second magnet has moment \(2M\) and is perpendicular to the first. Since their centers coincide and P lies on the axis of the first magnet, P lies on the equatorial line of the second magnet. The equatorial field is given by: \[ B_{equatorial} = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{M'}{d^3} \] Here \(M' = 2M\). \[ B' = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{2M}{d^3} \] Notice that this expression is exactly equal to \(B\) (the field of the first magnet). So, \( B' = B \).
Step 3: Resultant Field. The axial field \(B\) is along the magnetic moment vector. The equatorial field \(B'\) is opposite to the magnetic moment vector of the second magnet. Since the two magnets are perpendicular, the two magnetic field vectors at P are perpendicular to each other. \[ B_{net} = \sqrt{B^2 + (B')^2} = \sqrt{B^2 + B^2} = \sqrt{2}B \]
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