Question:

The equitorial magnetic field of earth on its surface at equator is $0.4\text{ G}$. Then its dipole moment is (The radius of the earth $R=6400\text{ km}$):

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Remember that $1\text{ Gauss} = 10^{-4}\text{ Tesla}$.
Be careful with the power of ten when cubing the Earth's radius: $(6.4 \times 10^6)^3 \approx 262 \times 10^{18}$.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
  • $1.05 \times 10^{23}\text{ Am}^2$
  • $2.05 \times 10^{23}\text{ Am}^2$
  • $1.05 \times 10^{21}\text{ Am}^2$
  • $2.05 \times 10^{21}\text{ Am}^2$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to calculate the magnetic dipole moment of the Earth given its equatorial magnetic field strength on the surface and the Earth's radius.

Step 2: Key Formula and Approach:
The magnetic field at a point on the equatorial line of a magnetic dipole is:
\[ B_e = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{M}{R^3} \] where:
- $M$ is the magnetic dipole moment.
- $R$ is the distance from the center (Earth's radius).
- $\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} = 10^{-7}\text{ T m A}^{-1}$.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

Identify and convert units:
Equatorial magnetic field $B_e = 0.4\text{ G} = 0.4 \times 10^{-4}\text{ T}$
Radius of Earth $R = 6400\text{ km} = 6.4 \times 10^6\text{ m}$

Rearrange the formula for $M$:
\[ M = \frac{B_e R^3}{\mu_0/4\pi} \]

Substitute the values:
\[ M = \frac{\left(0.4 \times 10^{-4}\right) \times \left(6.4 \times 10^6\right)^3}{10^{-7}} \] \[ M = \frac{0.4 \times 10^{-4} \times 262.144 \times 10^{18}}{10^{-7}} \] \[ M = 0.4 \times 262.144 \times 10^{21} \] \[ M = 104.8576 \times 10^{21}\text{ Am}^2 = 1.048 \times 10^{23}\text{ Am}^2 \] Rounding to two decimal places:
\[ M \approx 1.05 \times 10^{23}\text{ Am}^2 \]

Step 4: Final Answer:
The magnetic dipole moment of the Earth is approximately $1.05 \times 10^{23}\text{ Am}^2$, which corresponds to Option (A).
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