Lenz' Law Scenarios for two wires with varying distance between them

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on predicting the direction of induced current in coils N2 based on varying scenarios involving current I1 in coils N1. According to Lenz' Law, an increasing current from a to b in I1 induces a current from d to c in N2, regardless of the rate of increase. When coils N2 move toward stationary coils N1, a decrease in distance (L) results in an induced current from c to d if I1 flows from b to a. Conversely, moving coils N2 away from N1 leads to a current from d to c when I1 is constant and moving from a to b.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lenz' Law and its implications on induced current
  • Basic knowledge of magnetic flux and its relationship with distance between coils
  • Familiarity with the concept of electromotive force (emf)
  • Ability to analyze scenarios involving stationary and moving coils
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical formulation of Lenz' Law and its applications in electromagnetic induction
  • Learn about the relationship between magnetic flux and coil separation in detail
  • Explore practical experiments demonstrating induced current in coils
  • Investigate the effects of varying current rates on induced emf in different configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of induced current and Lenz' Law in practical scenarios.

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Homework Statement


2h5ivkp.png


For each of the following scenarios, predict the direction of the induced current ( c-to-d;
d-to-c; NO INDUCED CURRENT) in the second set of coils, N2.


1. The current, I1, direction ‘a-to-b’, is increasing rapidly. The coils remain stationary.
2. The current, I1, direction ‘a-to-b’, is increasing slowly. The coils remain stationary.
3. The current, I1, direction ‘b-to-a’ is constant; the coils, N2, are moved coaxially and slowly toward the stationary coils, N1 .
4. The current, I1, direction ‘a-to-b’ is constant; the coils, N2, are moved coaxially and rapidly away from the stationary coils, N1 .
5. The current, I1, direction ‘b-to-a’ is constant ; the coils, N2, are moved slowly and laterally, maintaining the separation, L, between the planes of the coils .



Homework Equations



flux.gif

12138.png

magcur5.gif


The Attempt at a Solution



1. When I increases in one direction on one wire, Lenz' law implies that the other wire will have an increase in current in the opposite direction in order to maintain the net flux. Therefore a rapid increase in current from a to b will induce a current from d to c rapidly.

However the question does not ask for the magnitude, only the direction, so the fact that the change is rapid or slow does not affect our answer, right?

2. Rate of change in flux will affect magnitude but not direction so the answer is once again, D to C.

3. Using the equations in the pictures above, I explained magnetic flux is proportional to (1/L) with L being the distance between wires... So If L decreases, flux increases. Lenz' law says an increase in flux will result in an induced emf in the opposite direction.

Therefore if the current is moving from B to A while L decreases, the induced emf will be from C to D.

4.
Increases in L will result in decrease in flux and induced emf in the same direction. Since current is fro A to B this will be C to D

5.
The separation L is maintained so there should be NO change in flux, right?
 
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1-4 seem comprehensively answered and I agree.
5 although L is fixed, the separation of the coils is increasing, so the flux linkage is decreasing and the induced voltage is D to C.
 

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