People have proposed driving motors with the earth's magnetic field. This is possible in principle, but the small field means that unrealistically large currents are needed to produce noticeable torques. Suppose a 20-cm-diameter loop of wire is oriented for maximum torque in the earth's field. What current would it need to carry in order to experience a very modest 1.0*10-3N⋅m torque?

Question

Elaine Farley

Physics

1 April, 15:56

People have proposed driving motors with the earth's magnetic field. This is possible in principle, but the small field means that unrealistically large currents are needed to produce noticeable torques. Suppose a 20-cm-diameter loop of wire is oriented for maximum torque in the earth's field. What current would it need to carry in order to experience a very modest 1.0*10-3N⋅m torque?

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Answers (1)

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Desirae Lambert · Answer 1

Torque on a loop in a magnetic field

Maximum torque = M B

M is magnetic moment of loop and B is magnetic field

M = area x current

= 3.14 x. 10² x i

Maximum torque = M B

1 x 10⁻³ = 3.14 x. 10² x i x. 65 x 10⁻⁴

i = 490 A

Current = 490 A.