2006 AIPMT-PRE Moving Charges and MagnetismMagnetic Field due to a Circular Coil Medium Question 13 of 15 in Magnetic Field due to a Circular Coil

Two circular coils 1 and 2 are made from the same wire but the radius of the 1st coil is twice that of the 2nd coil. What ratio of potential differences (in volts) should be applied across them so that the magnetic field at their centres is the same -

A 3
B 4
C 6
D 2

The answer is B.

Solution

Let $r_1$ and $r_2$ be the radii of coils 1 and 2, and $B_1$ and $B_2$ the magnetic inductions at their centres.
$B_1 = \dfrac{\mu_0 I_1}{2r_1}$ and $B_2 = \dfrac{\mu_0 I_2}{2r_2}$
Since $B_1 = B_2$ and $r_1 = 2r_2$, therefore $I_1 = 2I_2$.
The coils are made from the same wire, so the resistance is proportional to the length $2\pi r$ of the wire: $R \propto r$.
If $R_1$ and $R_2$ are the resistances of coils 1 and 2, then $R_1 = 2R_2$.
If $V_1$ and $V_2$ are the potential differences across them: $\dfrac{V_1}{V_2} = \dfrac{I_1 R_1}{I_2 R_2} = \dfrac{(2I_2)(2R_2)}{I_2 R_2}$
$\dfrac{V_1}{V_2} = 4$

Concept Field of a circular current loop

Magnetic Field due to a Circular Coil in past papers

15 questions from this chapter have appeared across 12 exam years.