Why Does Lenz's Law Induce a Clockwise Current When a Bar Moves Right?

In summary, the direction of the induced current in a conductor is determined by Lenz's law, which states that it will oppose the charge that produced it. In this case, the bar is moving to the right with a velocity v, and the constant magnetic field is directed out of the page. Therefore, the induced current is clockwise (by the right hand rule). If the bar were to move to the left, the induced current would be counter-clockwise. This can also be explained by the formula F = q*VXB, which shows that the force on a charge q in a magnetic field is proportional to its velocity and the direction of the magnetic field. Since the magnetic field is directed out of the page, the force would oppose
  • #1
Misscynical
1
0
The bar in figure Q31.5 moves on rails to the right with a velocity, v, and the uniform, constant magnetic field is directed out of the page. Why is the induced current clockwise? If the bar were moving to the left, what would be the direction of the induced current?
(The figure is at the bottom of page 24 in the document linked below)

My answer is;
As Lenz's law states that the induced current in a conductor acts in the direction that opposes the charge that produced it. Consequently, the magnetic field is acting into the page, meaning that the induced current is clockwise (by the right hand rule).
If the bar was moving to the left, the induced current would be counter-clockwise.

If this correct?

Thank you for any help =)

http://www.electron.rmutphysics.com...-Serway-Beichne 6edr-4/31 - Faraday's Law.pdf
 
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  • #2
For a moving conductor in a magnetic field can't you just use that the force on a charge q is F = q*VXB and this force causes a current?
 
  • #3
Misscynical said:
My answer is;
As Lenz's law states that the induced current in a conductor acts in the direction that opposes the charge that produced it. Consequently, the magnetic field is acting into the page, meaning that the induced current is clockwise (by the right hand rule).
If the bar was moving to the left, the induced current would be counter-clockwise.

If this correct?
The picture didn't load here when I clicked on the link, but I can imagine what it was.

You kind of just assert what the answer is. Can you explain in a bit more detail how you know the induced field points into the page?
 

1. What is Lenz's Law?

Lenz's Law is a fundamental law of electromagnetism that states that the direction of the induced current in a conductor is always such that it opposes the change that caused it.

2. How does Lenz's Law apply to this specific question?

In this question, Lenz's Law can be used to determine the direction of the induced current in the conductor when a changing magnetic field is applied to it.

3. What are the key principles of Lenz's Law?

The key principles of Lenz's Law are: 1) the induced current flows in such a direction as to oppose the change that caused it, 2) the direction of the induced current is always such that it creates a magnetic field that opposes the change in the original magnetic field, and 3) the magnitude of the induced current is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic field.

4. How can Lenz's Law be applied in real-world situations?

Lenz's Law is used in many practical applications, such as in generators, motors, and transformers. It is also important in understanding the behavior of eddy currents and electromagnetic braking.

5. What is the significance of Lenz's Law in the study of electromagnetism?

Lenz's Law is significant because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of electromagnetic systems. It is also a fundamental law that is essential in many areas of physics, including electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism.

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