Analyzing Conditions for Current Flow Through Resistor R

[mike1234]

Homework Statement

The drawing shows a wire loop near a current -carrying wire. Under what conditions would current flow through resistor R from Right to left?

Homework Equations

Lenz's law

The Attempt at a Solution

4 answers
a) when the current I is increasing
b)when the current I is constant
c)when the current I is decreasing
d)all of the above

I think its C but not sure

 

[Doc Al]

Why aren't you sure? What's your reasoning?

 

[mike1234]

well I know according to Lenz's Law an induced current always flows in a direction that opposes the change that caused it. but with answer C it just decreasing but not heading in the opposite direction so I was not sure

 

[Doc Al]

The magnetic field from the current points into the loop (into the page). Since it's decreasing, the change in flux is out of the page. (You've got it.)