Question

When a solenoid that is carrying current is freely suspended, it comes to rest along a particular direction .Why does this happen?

Answer 1

1. When a solenoid is suspended freely it will come to rest along the direction of the earth's magnetic field.
2. The magnetic field lines that are produced by the solenoid are similar to that of the bar magnet and behave like a bar magnet.
3. We know that a freely suspended bar magnet aligns itself in the north-south direction. So, a freely suspended current-carrying solenoid also aligns itself in the north-south direction.
4. Hence, solenoid because it behaves like a freely suspended bar magnet, it comes to rest in the north-south direction.