What Happens to Current Direction in an RL Circuit When the Switch is Opened?

[syhpui2]

Homework Statement

A circuit made with a battery, a switch, an inductor. and three resistors is shown in the figure. To begin with, switch S has been open for a long time. Then at time t = 0 the switch is closed.

http://i.imgur.com/ws5UD.png

After being closed for a long time, the switch S is now opened.
What is the direction of the current in the right hand loop containing L, R2 and R3 immediately after the switch is opened?

(a) clockwise
(b) counterclockwise Correct Answer

Homework Equations

Ampere's law?

The Attempt at a Solution

I am not sure how do I ind the direction of current if switch is opened? Should be no current?

Thx

 

[gneill]

Before the switch is opened, what currents are flowing and in what directions?

 

[syhpui2]

Before the switch is opened, what currents are flowing and in what directions?

There are current on r2,r3 and inductor and it is clockwise...

 

[gneill]

There are current on r2,r3 and inductor and it is clockwise...

No, that's not right. Yes, there is current through the inductor, but what is that current and what is the voltage across the inductor? What about R1?