Question

A magnetic needle placed in a non-uniform magnetic field experiences (considering all configurations) :

• A. only force
• B. force and torque
• C. only torque
• D. neither force not torque

Answer 1

The correct option is B force and torque

Since magnetic field is non-uniform, the force experienced by the north and south poles will be different, hence there will be a net force on the magnetic needle.
When the needle makes an angle $\theta$ with the magnetic field, it will experience a torque also.