Which of the following statements correctly describes the torque-potential energy relationship for a current-carrying coil in a uniform magnetic field?
A)The maximum potential energy occurs for the same orientation of magnetic dipole and the magnetic field that corresponds to maximum torque.
B)The potential energy of the system is constant.
C)The torque rotates the coil toward a position of lower potential energy.
D)The torque rotates the coil toward a position of higher potential energy.
E)None of these is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The torque on a current-carrying coil in a uniform magnetic field acts to align the magnetic moment of the coil with the magnetic field, which corresponds to a position of lower potential energy. This is because systems tend to move towards configurations that minimize their potential energy.

Which of the Following Statements Correctly Describes the Torque-Potential Energy