A magnetic needle suspended parallel to a magnetic field requires $\sqrt{3} \mathrm{~J}$ of work to turn it…

A magnetic needle suspended parallel to a magnetic field requires $\sqrt{3} \mathrm{~J}$ of work to turn it through $60^{\circ}$. The torque needed to maintain the needle in this position will be
  1. $2 \sqrt{3} \mathrm{~J}$
  2. $3 \mathrm{~J}$
  3. $\sqrt{3} \mathrm{~J}$
  4. $\frac{3}{2} \mathrm{~J}$

Solution

In this case, work done $\begin{aligned} W & =M B\left(\cos \theta_1-\cos \theta_2\right) \\ & =M B\left(\cos 0^{\circ}-\cos 60^{\circ}\right) \\ & =M B\left(1-\frac{1}{2}\right)=\frac{M B}{2} \\ M B & =2 \sqrt{3} \mathrm{~J} \quad(\because \text { given } W=\sqrt{3} \mathrm{~J}) \\ \tau & =M B \sin 60^{\circ}=(2 \sqrt{3})\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \mathrm{J}=3 \mathrm{~J} \end{aligned}$ *

Asked in: NEET 2012 (Mains)

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