Question

A charge Q is distributed uniformly on a non-conducting ring of radius R and mass M. The ring is dropped from rest from a height h and falls to the ground through a non-uniform magnetic field B(r). The plane of the ring remains horizontal during its fall.
Explain qualitatively why the ring rotates as it falls.

Answer 1

Answer:

Check below for the explanation

Explanation:

Since it is stated that the ring is dropped from a height, h, through a non uniform magnetic field, two kinds of force will act on the ring, namely:

• A magnetic force (that is non uniform since the field is  non uniform)
• Gravitational force

A certain amount of torque is provided by the non uniform magnetic force on the ring while the force gravity pulls it down. Due to the downward pull by the force of gravity on the ring and the torque acting on it as a result of the non uniform magnetic force, the ring begins to rotate.