Magnetic Dipole Equilibrium Simulation
This simulation demonstrates the equilibrium configurations of two magnetic dipoles (P and Q):
Potential Energy: --
Physics Explanation:
The potential energy of the configuration arises due to the potential energy of dipole Q in the magnetic field due to dipole P.
Field on normal bisector: \( \mathbf{B}_p = -\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\frac{\mathbf{m}_p}{r^3} \)
Field on axis: \( \mathbf{B}_p = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\frac{2\mathbf{m}_p}{r^3} \)
Key concepts:
- Stable equilibrium: Magnetic moment of Q is parallel to P's magnetic field
- Unstable equilibrium: Magnetic moment of Q is anti-parallel to P's magnetic field
- Not in equilibrium: When the torque on Q is non-zero
(a) Not in equilibrium: PQ₁ and PQ₂
(b) (i) Stable equilibrium: PQ₃, PQ₆; (ii) Unstable equilibrium: PQ₅, PQ₄
(c) Lowest potential energy: PQ₆
