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Question #43033
The Question
A moving coil galvanometer has a coil of turns and area , suspended by a wire of torsional constant . Unlike a standard galvanometer, it is placed in a non-radial magnetic field. When the coil deflects by an angle from its zero-current equilibrium position, the angle between the magnetic field vector and the plane of the coil is exactly . Additionally, the magnitude of the magnetic field at the coil's location varies with the deflection angle as , where is a positive constant. A steady current flows through the coil, producing a steady deflection . If the uncertainty in measuring the deflection angle is , what is the relative error in the determination of the current?
Options
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Check Your Answer
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 and current , which would incorrectly yield a relative error of (Option D).
A secondary trap occurs if the student accounts for the cross-product angle but forgets that the magnetic field magnitude also varies with , 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
| Subject | Physics |
| Chapter | Moving Charges and Magnetism - Class 12 |
| Concept | Galvanometer Sensitivity Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 7 |
| Target Solve Time | 160 sec |
| Access | Free |