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Question

The energy $U$ stored in an inductor carrying a current $I$ is related to the magnetic flux $\Phi_B$ by the expression $U = \frac{1}{2} \Phi_B I$. What is the dimensional formula of magnetic flux ($\Phi_B$)?

The correct answer is

$ML^2T^{-2}A^{-1}$

Dimensional Formula Calculation for Magnetic Flux ($\Phi_B$)

This solution explains how to determine the dimensional formula for magnetic flux ($\Phi_B$) using the provided relationship between energy ($U$), current ($I$), and magnetic flux ($\Phi_B$). We are given the expression relating these quantities for an inductor:

$$U = \frac{1}{2} \Phi_B I$$

Our goal is to find the dimensions of magnetic flux, $[\Phi_B]$. To do this, we first need to know the dimensions of energy ($U$) and current ($I$).

Deriving Magnetic Flux Dimensions from the Energy Expression

We can rearrange the given formula to isolate the magnetic flux ($\Phi_B$):

$$ \Phi_B = \frac{2U}{I} $$

Now, we can find the dimensions of $\Phi_B$ by dividing the dimensions of energy ($U$) by the dimensions of current ($I$). The factor $\frac{1}{2}$ is a dimensionless constant and does not affect the dimensional formula.

The dimensional formula for magnetic flux, $[\Phi_B]$, can be expressed as:

$$ [\Phi_B] = \frac{[U]}{[I]} $$

Analysis of Energy and Current Dimensions

Let's determine the dimensions of the quantities involved:

  • Energy ($U$): Energy is dimensionally equivalent to work. Work is defined as force multiplied by distance. The dimensions of force are mass ($M$) times acceleration ($LT^{-2}$), and the dimension of distance is length ($L$). Therefore, the dimensions of energy are: $$ [U] = [\text{Force}] \times [\text{Distance}] = (MLT^{-2}) \times (L) = ML^2T^{-2} $$
  • Current ($I$): Electric current is considered a fundamental quantity in physics and its dimension is represented by $A$ (Ampere). $$ [I] = A $$

Calculating the Final Dimensional Formula

Substitute the dimensions of energy and current into the rearranged formula for magnetic flux:

$$ [\Phi_B] = \frac{ML^2T^{-2}}{A} $$

Expressing this with a negative exponent for current, we get:

$$ [\Phi_B] = ML^2T^{-2}A^{-1} $$

This result represents the dimensional formula for magnetic flux ($\Phi_B$). Comparing this with the given options, we find that it matches one of them.

Summary of Dimensions:

Quantity Symbol Dimensional Formula
Energy $U$ $ML^2T^{-2}$
Current $I$ $A$
Magnetic Flux $\Phi_B$ $ML^2T^{-2}A^{-1}$

Therefore, the dimensional formula for magnetic flux is $ML^2T^{-2}A^{-1}$.

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Important Questions from Physical Quantities

  1. Which of the following is a vector quantity?

    A. Time

    B. Temperature

    C. Distance

    D. Velocity

  2. Which of the following is a scalar quantity?

  3. Pressure is measured in terms of

    A. Mass & Density

    B. Work done

    C. Force and Area

    D. Force and Distance

  4. What is the dimensional formula of density?

  5. 1 barrel of oil = ________ litre.

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