Direction of induced current question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the direction of induced current in a conductor placed between a north and south magnet. The conductor is oriented perpendicular to the magnetic field lines, with a force applied upwards. According to the left-hand rule, the induced current flows from the top of the pole (X) to the bottom (Y). However, the opposing magnetic field created by the induced current suggests that the force should act downwards, creating a conflict in understanding the direction of the induced current.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic principles, specifically Faraday's Law of Induction.
  • Familiarity with the left-hand rule and right-hand rule for magnetic fields.
  • Basic knowledge of magnetic fields and forces acting on conductors.
  • Concept of induced electromotive force (emf) in conductive materials.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Faraday's Law of Induction in detail to understand induced emf.
  • Learn the applications of the left-hand and right-hand rules in electromagnetic contexts.
  • Explore the concept of magnetic field opposition as described by Lenz's Law.
  • Investigate practical examples of induced current in various electromagnetic devices.
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Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of induced current and magnetic fields.

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Homework Statement


There is a conductor; a metal pole say, in between a north and south magnets. North on the left, south on the right.

The conductor is layed out in such a way that it is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines going from north to south. Let's label the metal poles X for the TOP of the pole Y for the bottom.

There was a force exerted on the conductor in the UP direction, lifting it.

A current was induced due to this force, which way was the current flowing?
magfield.jpg

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



From the "left hand rule" (basically if magnetic field is in one direction, the force is perpendicular to it, and the conventional current is flowing perpendicular to them both, its a pretty common rule)

Im lead to believe that the current will be flowing from X to Y.

HOWEVER a conflicting idea caught me. If the FORCE exerted to LIFT the object was in the upward direction, wouldn't that mean that the induced current would create a magnetic field to OPPOSE this change? Thus wouldn't the force actually be DOWNWARDS?

Here's a picture:
Not sure if itl'l work, thus i included a description above
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Left hand rule is used to find the direction of force on a current carrying conductor in a magnetic field. For the direction of induce emf, you have to use "right hand rule".
 

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