The Power of Dimensional Analysis
Dimensional analysis is one of the most reliable tools in a physicist's arsenal. It allows us to verify equations, convert units, and even guess the form of unknown relationships.
In this problem, we are tasked with matching four fundamental magnetic quantities with their dimensional formulas.
It seems like a straightforward exercise, but as we will discover, even official exam papers can sometimes contain a hidden trap!
Analyzing Magnetic Induction
Let's start with the first quantity: Magnetic Induction, denoted by B.
To find its dimensions, we need a formula that connects
B to quantities whose dimensions we already know. The most fundamental equation is the Lorentz force on a moving charge:
F=qvB
Rearranging this to solve for
B, we get:
B=qvF
Now, we substitute the known dimensional formulas. Force F is [MLT−2], charge q is [AT], and velocity v is [LT−1].
Notice how the length dimension L cancels out completely.
This perfectly matches option 3 in List-II.
Deriving Magnetic Flux
Next up is Magnetic Flux, denoted by ϕ.
Flux is simply the measure of the total magnetic field passing through a given area. Mathematically, it is the dot product of the magnetic field vector and the area vector:
ϕ=B⋅A
Since we just calculated the dimension of B, this step is a breeze. The dimension of area A is simply [L2].
Combining these, we get:
[ϕ]=[ML2T−2A−1]
Looking at List-II, this is an exact match for option 1.
Uncovering Magnetic Permeability
Our third quantity is Magnetic Permeability, μ0.
To find its dimensions, imagine a long, tightly wound solenoid. The magnetic field inside an ideal solenoid is given by:
B=μ0nI
Here,
n is the number of turns per unit length, and
I is the current. We can rearrange this to solve for
μ0:
μ0=nIB
We already know [B]. The dimension of n is [L−1] because it is a count divided by length. The dimension of current I is simply [A].
When we bring the terms from the denominator to the numerator, the signs of their exponents flip.
This matches option 4 perfectly.
The Trap of Magnetisation
Finally, we arrive at Magnetisation, denoted by I or M.
Magnetisation is defined as the magnetic dipole moment acquired per unit volume of a material.
I=VM
The magnetic moment M is the product of current and area, so its dimension is [L2A]. The volume V has a dimension of [L3].
Simplifying this gives:
[I]=[L−1A]
Now, let's look at option 2 in List-II. It says [ML−1A].
There is an extra M!
This is a typographical error in the official exam paper. The mass dimension should not be there.
Final Conclusion
Because of this typo, technically none of the given options are 100% correct.
However, in competitive exams like JEE, you must choose the most appropriate answer. If we assume that option 2 was intended to be [L−1A], then our matching is:
- A → 3
- B → 1
- C → 4
- D → 2
This corresponds exactly to option (d). Always trust your derivations, and don't let a small typo derail your confidence!