Magnetic moment, also known as magnetic dipole moment, is the measure of the object’s tendency to align with a magnetic field.
“Magnetic Moment is defined as magnetic strength and orientation of a magnet or other object that produces a magnetic field.”
The magnetic moment is a vector quantity. The objects have a tendency to place themselves in such a way that the magnetic moment vector becomes parallel to the magnetic field lines. The direction of the magnetic moment points from the south to the north pole of a magnet. The magnetic field created by a magnet is directly proportional to the magnetic moment.
Magnetic Moment Formula:
The magnetic moment is a vector relating torque of an object to the magnetic field. This is mathematically represented as:
Where,
- τ is the torque acting on the dipole
- m is the magnetic moment
- B is the external magnetic field
Magnetic Moment Unit:
In the definition for the current loop, the Magnetic moment is the product of the current flowing and the area, M = I A
- So, the unit conferring to this definition is articulated by Amp-m2.
- It can also be suggested in terms of torque and moment. Conferring to that, the torque is measured in Joules (J) and the magnetic field is measured in tesla (T) and thus the unit is J T -1.
- So, these two units are equivalent to each other and are provided by 1 Amp-m2 = 1 J T -1.