Find the mutual inductance in the arrangement, when a small circular loop of radius is placed inside a large square loop of side (). The loops are coplanar and their centers coincide:
- A
- B
- C
- D
Find the mutual inductance in the arrangement, when a small circular loop of radius is placed inside a large square loop of side (). The loops are coplanar and their centers coincide:
Correct answer:C
Standard Method
Given: A small circular loop of radius is placed inside a large square loop of side , with . The loops are coplanar and their centers coincide.
Find: The mutual inductance .
Use the magnetic field produced by the large square loop at its center and calculate the flux through the small circular loop.
From the solution:
Also,
For the small circular loop, the area is
Using the field expression stated in the solution,
Hence,
Therefore, the correct option is C.
Flux-Based Interpretation
Given: Mutual inductance is to be found using the flux linked with the small loop due to current in the large loop.
Find: Which option matches .
The hint indicates the required method:
Using
and
with
the solution simplifies directly to
So the mutual inductance varies as and inversely as , which matches option C.
Using the area of the square loop instead of the circular loop for flux is incorrect, because the flux relevant to mutual inductance here is through the small loop. Always use for the inner circular loop.
Assuming the magnetic field is to be calculated from the small loop is incorrect for this setup, because the solution evaluates flux in the small loop due to current in the large loop. Use the field produced by the larger square loop.
Choosing an option proportional to instead of is a dimensional and conceptual mistake. Since flux involves area, the result must depend on the circular loop area and therefore contain .
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