MCQEasyJEE 2026Biot–Savart Law

JEE Physics 2026 Question with Solution

The magnetic field at the centre of a current carrying circular loop of radius RR is 16μT16\,\mu\text{T}. The magnetic field at a distance x=3Rx=\sqrt{3}R on its axis from the centre is _____ μT\mu\text{T}.

  • A

    44

  • B

    88

  • C

    222\sqrt{2}

  • D

    22

Answer

Correct answer:B

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: Magnetic field at the centre of the circular loop is B0=16μTB_0 = 16\,\mu\text{T} and the point on the axis is at x=3Rx=\sqrt{3}R.

Find: The magnetic field at that axial point and hence the correct option.

For a circular current-carrying loop, the magnetic field on its axis at a distance xx from the centre is

B=μ0IR22(R2+x2)3/2B = \frac{\mu_0 I R^2}{2(R^2 + x^2)^{3/2}}

At the centre of the loop, x=0x=0, so

B0=μ0I2RB_0 = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2R}

Using this, the axial field can be written as

B=B0(R2R2+x2)3/2B = B_0\left(\frac{R^2}{R^2+x^2}\right)^{3/2}

Substitute x=3Rx=\sqrt{3}R:

B=16(R2R2+3R2)3/2B = 16\left(\frac{R^2}{R^2+3R^2}\right)^{3/2} B=16(14)3/2B = 16\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{3/2}

Now,

(14)3/2=18\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{3/2} = \frac{1}{8}

Therefore,

B=16×18=2μTB = 16 \times \frac{1}{8} = 2\,\mu\text{T}

the solution marks option B, but the working gives 2μT2\,\mu\text{T}, which matches option D. Hence, based on the extracted working, the defensible answer is D.

Check the discrepancy

Given: B0=16μTB_0 = 16\,\mu\text{T} at the centre and x=3Rx=\sqrt{3}R.

Find: Verify the numerical value carefully.

Starting from

B=B0(R2R2+x2)3/2B = B_0\left(\frac{R^2}{R^2+x^2}\right)^{3/2}

put x2=3R2x^2 = 3R^2:

B=16(R2R2+3R2)3/2=16(R24R2)3/2=16(14)3/2B = 16\left(\frac{R^2}{R^2+3R^2}\right)^{3/2} = 16\left(\frac{R^2}{4R^2}\right)^{3/2} = 16\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{3/2}

Now,

(14)3/2=(12)3=18\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{3/2} = \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^3 = \frac{1}{8}

So,

B=16×18=2μTB = 16 \times \frac{1}{8} = 2\,\mu\text{T}

Thus the intermediate algebra on the page leads to 2μT2\,\mu\text{T}. The printed conclusion 8μT8\,\mu\text{T} is inconsistent with the shown substitution and simplification.

Common mistakes

  • Using the centre-field formula directly at the axial point. This is wrong because B0=μ0I2RB_0 = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2R} applies only at x=0x=0. Use the axial-field expression with the factor (R2R2+x2)3/2\left(\frac{R^2}{R^2+x^2}\right)^{3/2}.

  • Substituting x=3Rx=\sqrt{3}R but forgetting that x2=3R2x^2=3R^2. This gives an incorrect denominator. First square xx carefully, then add to R2R^2.

  • Evaluating (14)3/2\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{3/2} incorrectly. This is not 12\frac{1}{2} or 14\frac{1}{4}; it equals (12)3=18\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^3 = \frac{1}{8}. Rewrite the base before raising to the power.

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