A bar magnet is dropped from above and falls through the loop of wire. The north pole of the bar magnet points downward towards
the page as it falls. Which statement is correct?a. The current in the loop always flows in a clockwise direction. b·The current in the loop always flows in a counterclockwise direction. c. The current in the loop flows first in a clockwise, then in a counterclockwise direction. d. The current in the loop flows first in a counterclockwise, then in a clockwise direction. e. No current flows in the loop because both ends of the magnet move through the loop.
<em>b. The current in the loop always flows in a counterclockwise direction.</em>
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Explanation:
When a magnet falls through a loop of wire, it induces an induced current on the loop of wire. This induced current is due to the motion of the magnet through the loop, which cause a change in the flux linkage of the magnet. According to Lenz law, the induced current acts in such a way as to repel the force or action that produces it. For this magnet, the only opposition possible is to stop its fall by inducing a like pole on the wire loop to repel its motion down. An induced current that flows counterclockwise in the wire loop has a polarity that is equivalent to a north pole on a magnet, and this will try to repel the motion of the magnet through the coil. Also, when the magnet goes pass the wire loop, this induced north pole will try to attract the south end of the magnet, all in a bid to stop its motion downwards.
