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Question #43033

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

A moving coil galvanometer has a coil of NN turns and area AA, suspended by a wire of torsional constant kk. Unlike a standard galvanometer, it is placed in a non-radial magnetic field. When the coil deflects by an angle θ\theta from its zero-current equilibrium position, the angle between the magnetic field vector and the plane of the coil is exactly θ\theta. Additionally, the magnitude of the magnetic field at the coil's location varies with the deflection angle as B(θ)=B0cos⁡θB(\theta) = B_0 \cos\theta, where B0B_0 is a positive constant. A steady current II flows through the coil, producing a steady deflection θ=π4 rad\theta = \frac{\pi}{4} \text{ rad}. If the uncertainty in measuring the deflection angle is Δθ\Delta\theta, what is the relative error ΔII\frac{\Delta I}{I} in the determination of the current?

Options

  • A.

    (4π+2)Δθ\left( \frac{4}{\pi} + 2 \right) \Delta\theta

  • B.

    (4π+1)Δθ\left( \frac{4}{\pi} + 1 \right) \Delta\theta

  • C.

    (4π−2)Δθ\left( \frac{4}{\pi} - 2 \right) \Delta\theta

  • D.

    4πΔθ\frac{4}{\pi} \Delta\theta

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Intuition_Breaker

Train your brain to resist "obvious" answers that are designed to deceive your intuition.

Concepts Behind This Question

Galvanometer Sensitivity Logic|Relative Error Propagation in Powers|Biot-Savart Law Vector Symmetry

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the student's ability to derive instrument sensitivity from first principles rather than relying on memorized formulas.

The primary trap is the assumption of a standard 'radial magnetic field' where torque τ=NIAB\tau = NIAB and current I∝θI \propto \theta, which would incorrectly yield a relative error of Δθ/θ=4Δθ/π\Delta\theta/\theta = 4\Delta\theta/\pi (Option D).

A secondary trap occurs if the student accounts for the cross-product angle but forgets that the magnetic field magnitude BB also varies with θ\theta, leading to Option B.

By introducing a non-linear, non-radial field, the problem forces the application of differential calculus and the chain rule on a transcendental equation to correctly propagate the measurement uncertainty.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectPhysics
ChapterMoving Charges and Magnetism - Class 12
ConceptGalvanometer Sensitivity Logic
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree