Unit 12: Magnetism
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism Review (12.1 – 12.4)
Section 12.1
Magnetic Fields
Magnetic fields \( \vec{B} \) are vector fields produced by moving charges or intrinsic magnetic moments. Unlike electric fields, magnetic field lines always form closed loops (Gauss’s Law for Magnetism: \( \oint \vec{B} \cdot d\vec{A} = 0 \)).
Q1: Which of the following statements about magnetic field lines is always TRUE?
- (A) They point toward the North pole of a magnet.
- (B) They represent the direction of the force on a stationary electron.
- (C) The total magnetic flux through any closed surface is zero.
- (D) They can begin and end on magnetic monopoles.
Gauss’s Law for Magnetism states that there are no magnetic monopoles. Therefore, field lines form closed loops, and net flux through any closed surface is zero.
Correct Answer: C
Q2: A magnetic dipole with moment \( \vec{\mu} \) is placed in a uniform magnetic field \( \vec{B} \). The potential energy of the dipole is MINIMIZED when:
- (A) \( \vec{\mu} \) is perpendicular to \( \vec{B} \).
- (B) \( \vec{\mu} \) is anti-parallel to \( \vec{B} \).
- (C) \( \vec{\mu} \) is parallel to \( \vec{B} \).
- (D) The field is zero.
Potential energy is \( U = -\vec{\mu} \cdot \vec{B} = -\mu B \cos\theta \). Minimum energy occurs when \( \cos\theta = 1 \), which means \( \theta = 0^\circ \) (parallel).
Correct Answer: C
Q3: At a certain location, the Earth’s magnetic field points horizontally toward the North. A magnetic compass needle will align itself with:
- (A) The geographic North pole.
- (B) The geographic South pole.
- (C) The local magnetic field vector.
- (D) The direction of the solar wind.
A compass needle is a small magnetic dipole that experiences a torque \( \vec{\tau} = \vec{\mu} \times \vec{B} \), causing it to align with the local magnetic field lines.
Correct Answer: C
Q4: If the magnetic flux through a flat loop of area \( A \) is \( \Phi_B \), what happens to the flux if the area is doubled and the angle between the field and the normal to the loop is changed from \( 0^\circ \) to \( 60^\circ \)?
- (A) Flux remains \( \Phi_B \).
- (B) Flux becomes \( 2\Phi_B \).
- (C) Flux becomes \( \Phi_B / 2 \).
- (D) Flux becomes \( 4\Phi_B \).
\( \Phi_B = BA \cos\theta \). Initial: \( B(A)(1) = BA \).
New: \( B(2A) \cos(60^\circ) = B(2A)(0.5) = BA \).
Correct Answer: A
Q5: Which unit is equivalent to one Tesla (\( 1 \text{ T} \))?
- (A) \( \displaystyle\frac{\text{N} \cdot \text{s}}{\text{C} \cdot \text{m}} \)
- (B) \( \displaystyle\frac{\text{V} \cdot \text{m}}{\text{s}} \)
- (C) \( \displaystyle\frac{\text{J}}{\text{A} \cdot \text{m}^2} \)
- (D) \( \displaystyle\frac{\text{Wb}}{\text{m}} \)
From \( F = qvB \), we have \( B = F / (qv) \).
Units: \( \displaystyle\frac{\text{N}}{\text{C} \cdot (\text{m/s})} = \displaystyle\frac{\text{N} \cdot \text{s}}{\text{C} \cdot \text{m}} \).
Correct Answer: A
Section 12.2
Magnetism and Moving Charges
The magnetic force on a charge \( q \) moving with velocity \( \vec{v} \) in a field \( \vec{B} \) is \( \vec{F}_M = q(\vec{v} \times \vec{B}) \). This force is always perpendicular to both \( \vec{v} \) and \( \vec{B} \), meaning it does NO work.
Q1: A proton enters a uniform magnetic field pointing into the page. If the proton is moving to the right, in which direction is the initial magnetic force?
- (A) Toward the top of the page
- (B) Toward the bottom of the page
- (C) Into the page
- (D) Out of the page
Using the Right-Hand Rule: Fingers toward velocity (right), curl toward field (into page). Thumb points UP (top of page).
Correct Answer: A
Q2: A particle of charge \( q \) and mass \( m \) moves in a circle of radius \( R \) in a uniform magnetic field \( B \). If its kinetic energy is doubled, the new radius is:
- (A) \( R / \sqrt{2} \)
- (B) \( \sqrt{2} R \)
- (C) \( 2R \)
- (D) \( 4R \)
\( R = \displaystyle\frac{mv}{qB} \). Since \( K = \displaystyle\frac{1}{2}mv^2 \), we have \( v = \sqrt{\displaystyle\frac{2K}{m}} \).
Thus, \( R \propto v \propto \sqrt{K} \). If \( K \rightarrow 2K \), then \( R \rightarrow \sqrt{2}R \).
Correct Answer: B
Q3: In a velocity selector, an electric field \( \vec{E} \) and a magnetic field \( \vec{B} \) are perpendicular. A particle passes through undeflected if its speed is:
- (A) \( EB \)
- (B) \( B/E \)
- (C) \( E/B \)
- (D) \( \sqrt{E/B} \)
Undeflected means \( F_{net} = 0 \). Thus, \( qE = qvB \), which simplifies to \( v = E/B \).
Correct Answer: C
Q4: Which of the following is true regarding the work done by a magnetic force on a moving electron?
- (A) It is positive if the electron speeds up.
- (B) It is negative if the electron slows down.
- (C) It is always zero because the force is perpendicular to displacement.
- (D) It depends on the charge-to-mass ratio.
\( dW = \vec{F} \cdot d\vec{s} = (\vec{v} \times \vec{B}) \cdot (\vec{v} dt) \). Since \( (\vec{v} \times \vec{B}) \) is perpendicular to \( \vec{v} \), the dot product is always zero.
Correct Answer: C
Q5: An alpha particle (\( +2e, 4m_p \)) and a proton (\( +e, m_p \)) enter the same magnetic field with the same momentum. The ratio of their orbital radii \( R_\alpha / R_p \) is:
- (A) \( 1:1 \)
- (B) \( 1:2 \)
- (C) \( 2:1 \)
- (D) \( 4:1 \)
\( R = \displaystyle\frac{p}{qB} \). If momentum \( p \) and field \( B \) are the same, \( R \propto 1/q \).
\( R_\alpha / R_p = q_p / q_\alpha = e / (2e) = 1/2 \).
Correct Answer: B