Need help understanding Lenz's Law

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on Lenz's Law and its application in determining the direction of induced current in a circuit. The user initially misinterpreted the direction of current flow at resistor R when a switch is closed, believing it should flow to the right due to an increased magnetic field. However, after clarification regarding the orientation of the windings, it was established that the magnetic field for resistor R actually points to the right, resulting in the current flowing left when the magnetic field increases and right when it decreases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lenz's Law
  • Basic knowledge of magnetic fields and their interactions with electric currents
  • Familiarity with circuit components such as resistors and switches
  • Concept of induced current in electromagnetic systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electromagnetic induction
  • Explore examples of Lenz's Law in practical applications
  • Learn about the right-hand rule for determining current direction
  • Investigate the effects of changing magnetic fields on circuit behavior
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Physics students, electrical engineering learners, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electromagnetic principles and Lenz's Law.

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Homework Statement


I'm trying to find the direction of the current given certain situations, but do not know how to apply Lenz's Law. Attached a image below-
10ees9f.jpg


2. The attempt at a solution

So I figured out how each situation affects the induced current, and that the magnetic field is to the left. For a), the closing of the switch causes an increased magnetic field. If that's the case, shouldn't the current at resistor R flow to the right? The answer is left.
 
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pdf said:
So I figured out how each situation affects the induced current, and that the magnetic field is to the left. For a), the closing of the switch causes an increased magnetic field. If that's the case, shouldn't the current at resistor R flow to the right? The answer is left.
You do realize the windings are in opposite directions, yes?
 
Oh I missed that- whoops! So that means that the magnetic field for resistor R is going towards the right, therefore resulting in the current going left when the magnetic field is increased and towards the right when decreased?
 
pdf said:
Oh I missed that- whoops! So that means that the magnetic field for resistor R is going towards the right, therefore resulting in the current going left when the magnetic field is increased and towards the right when decreased?
Yes.
 
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