A bar magnet is dropped from above and falls through the loop of wire. The north pole of the bar magnet points downward towards

Question

3 months ago

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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.

Physics

1 answer:

Ostrovityanka [3.2K] · Answer 1 · 2026-03-03T16:10:16+03:00

Answer:

b. The loop's current consistently flows in a counterclockwise direction.

Explanation:

As a magnet descends through a wire loop, it generates an induced current within that loop. This induced current arises due to the magnet's movement, leading to a variation in magnetic flux. Lenz's law states that the induced current will act to counteract the change that produces it. In this scenario, the only feasible resistance to the magnet’s fall is through inducing a similar pole on the loop to counteract its downward motion. An induced current that circulates counterclockwise in the wire loop mimics the polarity of a northern pole, thereby repelling the magnet's descent. Furthermore, as the magnet passes the wire loop, this induced north pole will seek to attract the magnet's south end in an effort to halt its downward progression.