Determine the direction of the magnetic field

AI Thread Summary
To determine the direction of the induced current in a coil of wire moving through a magnetic field, one can use the right-hand rule for conventional current or the left-hand rule for electron flow. Knowing the direction of the magnetic field is crucial, as it helps in applying Lenz's law, which states that the induced current will oppose changes in magnetic flux. The process involves assessing whether the magnetic field is increasing or decreasing within the coil. By analyzing these factors, one can predict the direction of the induced current, whether clockwise or counterclockwise. Understanding these principles is essential for applications in electromagnetism and circuit design.
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If I were to put a coil of wire in and out of a magnetic field, how can I determine which way the current will go (clockwise or counterclockwise)?
 
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I think the easiest way is to use one of the hand rules depending if the current is conventional (right hand) or electron (left hand).
It would probably help too if you knew the direction of the magnetic field (ie. going into or out of the page).
 
If you know the direction of the magnetic field, you can also use Lenz' law:
The induced current is such as to oppose the change in flux.
So if the flux through the coil increases, current will flow in a way as if to cancel the change in the magnetic field.
 
To expand on Galileo's comment

1: determine the direction of the magnetic field
2: determine whether the field is increasing or decreasing in the coil
3: use 1 & 2 to determine direction of change in flux *
4: induced current creates a magnetic field that opposes the direction found in 3



*Say the field is pointing out of the page, and is increasing; change in flux is out.
The field is pointing out of the page and is decreasing; change in flux is into page
Field points into page and is decreasing; change in flux is out of page. Etc etc.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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