---
title: "A small magnetic dipole with magnetic dipole moment \\(\\vec{\\mu}\\) directed in the \\(+x\\)-direction is placed in a non-uniform magnetic field \\(\\vec{B}\\) that points in the \\(+x\\)-direction. The magnitude of the magnetic field increases along the \\(x\\)-axis such that \\(\\dfrac{dB}{dx} > 0\\). The dipole is released from rest.  Which option correctly identifies the direction of the net magnetic force on the dipole and the change in magnetic potential energy \\(U\\) of the dipole-field system immediately after release?  | Option | Direction of Net Force | Magnetic Potential Energy \\(U\\) | |—|—|—| | A | \\(+x\\)-direction | Decreases | | B | \\(+x\\)-direction | Increases | | C | \\(-x\\)-direction | Decreases | | D | \\(-x\\)-direction | Increases |"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/118580/"
date_modified: "2026-08-04T08:11:26+00:00"
---

# A small magnetic dipole with magnetic dipole moment \(\vec{\mu}\) directed in the \(+x\)-direction is placed in a non-uniform magnetic field \(\vec{B}\) that points in the \(+x\)-direction. The magnitude of the magnetic field increases along the \(x\)-axis such that \(\dfrac{dB}{dx} > 0\). The dipole is released from rest.

Which option correctly identifies the direction of the net magnetic force on the dipole and the change in magnetic potential energy \(U\) of the dipole-field system immediately after release?

| Option | Direction of Net Force | Magnetic Potential Energy \(U\) |
|—|—|—|
| A | \(+x\)-direction | Decreases |
| B | \(+x\)-direction | Increases |
| C | \(-x\)-direction | Decreases |
| D | \(-x\)-direction | Increases |

A small magnetic dipole with magnetic dipole moment \(\vec{\mu}\) directed in the \(+x\)-direction is placed in a non-uniform magnetic field \(\vec{B}\) that points in the \(+x\)-direction. The magnitude of the magnetic field increases along the \(x\)-axis such that \(\dfrac{dB}{dx} > 0\). The dipole is released from rest.

Which option correctly identifies the direction of the net magnetic force on the dipole and the change in magnetic potential energy \(U\) of the dipole-field system immediately after release?

| Option | Direction of Net Force | Magnetic Potential Energy \(U\) |
|---|---|---|
| A | \(+x\)-direction | Decreases |
| B | \(+x\)-direction | Increases |
| C | \(-x\)-direction | Decreases |
| D | \(-x\)-direction | Increases |

![A horizontal axis labeled x points to the right. Three magnetic field lines extend horizontally from left to right, symmetrically arranged around the x-axis. The field lines curve slightly inward toward the x-axis as they progress to the right, becoming closer together at larger values of x. At a point on the x-axis, a small magnetic dipole is shown as a small rectangular block with an arrow pointing to the right labeled with the symbol \mu. At the same location, an arrow pointing to the right is labeled with the symbol B. No other labels, lines, text, or axes appear.](https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/ubq-frq-generated/stem-fig-1-1785831085-gEXNmG.jpg)

- **A.** \(+x\)-direction ; Decreases
- **B.** \(+x\)-direction ; Increases
- **C.** \(-x\)-direction ; Decreases
- **D.** \(-x\)-direction ; Increases

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/118580/*