The discussion centers on the application of Lenz's Law in the context of a magnet moving rapidly through a copper tube. It concludes that if the magnet's speed is sufficient, the induced current can generate enough heat to melt or even vaporize the copper tube. Additionally, the tube's potential movement and compression against solid mountings can further contribute to heating through I2R effects, enhancing the likelihood of melting. The interaction of these factors is critical in understanding the thermal dynamics involved.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, engineers, and educators interested in electromagnetic induction, thermal dynamics, and experimental physics will benefit from this discussion.
Baluncore said:Yes. Because “fast enough” must be interpreted as “fast enough to melt the tube”.
If the tube was not firmly held it might be dragged with the magnet before it could melt.
It is also possible that the copper tube would be pressed against it's solid mountings with sufficient force to heat the material by compression. The compressive and I2R effects would combine to melt the copper tube.