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Question #43259

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

A uniform solid sphere of mass m (kg)m \text{ (kg)} and radius R (m)R \text{ (m)} has a total charge q (C)q \text{ (C)} uniformly distributed throughout its volume. It is initially spinning with an angular velocity ω0 (rad/s)\omega_0 \text{ (rad/s)} about an axis passing through its center. Uncharged cosmic dust falls radially towards the center of the sphere and sticks to its surface. This process continues slowly until the dust forms a uniform thin spherical shell of mass m (kg)m \text{ (kg)} and radius R (m)R \text{ (m)} (assuming the thickness of the dust layer is negligible). No external torques act on the system during this process. If the initial magnetic dipole moment of the sphere is μ0 (A⋅m2)\mu_0 \text{ (A}\cdot\text{m}^2\text{)}, what is the final magnetic dipole moment μf\mu_f of the system after the dust has settled?

Options

  • A.

    38μ0\frac{3}{8} \mu_0

  • B.

    12μ0\frac{1}{2} \mu_0

  • C.

    35μ0\frac{3}{5} \mu_0

  • D.

    μ0\mu_0

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Multi-Concept_Bridge

Master problems that require linking physics and math concepts to solve complex competitive questions.

Concepts Behind This Question

Gyromagnetic Ratio Invariance|Rigid Body Constraints|System of Particles and Rotational Motion

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the limits of the gyromagnetic ratio (μ/L=q/2m\mu/L = q/2m) and the principle of angular momentum conservation in variable mass systems.

Students often blindly apply the gyromagnetic ratio formula, assuming it holds universally for the entire system.

Here, the accretion of uncharged dust changes the total mass and moment of inertia, but the charge distribution remains unchanged.

By using μf=q2(2m)L0\mu_f = \frac{q}{2(2m)}L_0, students fall into the trap of assuming the mass and charge distributions remain proportional, leading to the incorrect answer of 12μ0\frac{1}{2}\mu_0.

The correct approach requires decoupling the kinematic constraint (angular velocity determined by total moment of inertia) from the electromagnetic output (magnetic moment determined solely by the charged portion's rotation).

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectPhysics
ChapterMagnetism and Matter - Class 12
ConceptGyromagnetic Ratio Invariance
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree