Question

When does a magnetic dipole possess maximum potential energy inside a magnetic field?

(a) Magnetic moment and magnetic field are antiparallel

(b) Magnetic moment and magnetic field are parallel

(c) The magnetic moment is zero

(d) The magnetic field is zero

This question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.

This interesting question is from Magnetism and Gauss’s Law topic in chapter Magnetism and Matter of Physics – Class 12

Answer 1

Right option is (a) Magnetic moment and magnetic field are antiparallel

Best explanation: A magnetic dipole possess maximum potential energy when its magnetic moment and the magnetic field are antiparallel. When the magnetic dipole is aligned along the magnetic field, i.e. when θ = 180^0, it is in unstable equilibrium having maximum potential energy.