Question

A bar magnet placed in non-uniform magnetic field experiences.
A. Only torque
B. Only force
C. Both torque and force
D. Neither force nor torque

Answer 1

Hint: If the magnetic field varies in its strength and direction at different points then it is called a non-uniform magnetic field. A bar magnet also produces a non-uniform magnetic field (this can be seen by the magnetic lines of force originating from the north pole of the magnet to the south pole of the magnet).

Complete step by step answer:
The bar magnet is also producing a non-uniform magnetic field and, in this question, it is given that the bar magnet is placed in a magnetic field which is also a non-uniform magnetic field. In this case the bar magnet will experience a torque which will make the bar magnet align with the region of the magnetic field of stronger strength in the whole non-uniform magnetic field region.

And this bar magnet will not only experience the torque but a net force also and the direction of this force will be towards the stronger region of the magnetic field.

Hence if a bar magnet is placed in a non-uniform magnetic field then it will experience both torque as well as force.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note:
Here we have seen the role of a non-uniform magnetic field but if a bar magnet is placed in a uniform magnetic field then the bar magnet will experience only a torque and no force and this torque will be acting on the both ends of the bar magnet and these torques will be equal but opposite in direction. So, this torque will keep the bar magnet aligned with the uniform magnetic field.

A uniform magnetic field will have the same magnitude and same direction throughout the region.