2003 AIPMT Magnetism and MatterBar magnet in a uniform magnetic field Medium Question 2 of 2 in Bar magnet in a uniform magnetic field

A bar magnet is oscillating in the Earth's magnetic field with a period T. What happens to this period and motion if its mass is quadrupled -

A Motion remains S.H. with time period = T/2
B Motion remains S.H. with time period = 2T
C Motion remains S.H. with time period = 4T
D Motion remains S.H. and time period remains nearly constant

The answer is B.

Solution

For small oscillations of a magnet in a uniform field, the restoring torque is proportional to the angular displacement, so the motion is simple harmonic with
$T = 2\pi\sqrt{\dfrac{I}{MB}}$, where I is the moment of inertia and M the magnetic moment.
The moment of inertia is proportional to the mass ($I \propto$ mass, dimensions unchanged), so when the mass is quadrupled, $I' = 4I$. The magnetic moment is unchanged.
$T' = 2\pi\sqrt{\dfrac{4I}{MB}} = 2 \times 2\pi\sqrt{\dfrac{I}{MB}} = 2T$
So the motion remains simple harmonic, with time period 2T.

Concept Time period of an oscillating magnet

Bar magnet in a uniform magnetic field in past papers

2 questions from this chapter have appeared across 2 exam years.