How Does Decreasing Wire Current Affect a Nearby Metal Rectangle?

[bbuilder]

Homework Statement

A metal rectangle is close to a long straight current carrying wire, with 2 sides parallel to the wire. If the current in the wire is decreasing, the rectangle is

Homework Equations

Lenz's Law: the direction of any magnetic induction effect is such to oppose the cause of the effect

The Attempt at a Solution

The field of the wire is decreasing; therefore, the current through the wire is traveling in the same direction. If current is moving in the same direction, the wires attract each other. I feel like I am missing something.

 

[Redbelly98]

Homework Statement

A metal rectangle is close to a long straight current carrying wire, with 2 sides parallel to the wire. If the current in the wire is decreasing, the rectangle is

Homework Equations

Lenz's Law: the direction of any magnetic induction effect is such to oppose the cause of the effect

The Attempt at a Solution

The field of the wire is decreasing; therefore, the current through the wire is traveling in the same direction.

I don't understand what you are saying. The wire current is in the same direction as what?

If current is moving in the same direction, the wires attract each other. I feel like I am missing something.

For the rectangle, the current travels around in a loop. So, current in two opposite sides of the rectangle must travel in opposite directions. They cannot both be in the same direction. (I'm not sure if this helps your understanding any.)