Which Current Direction Consistent with Potential Difference in Coil?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of a zero-resistance coil when a current is passed through it, specifically analyzing the potential difference between its ends labeled a and b. The correct interpretations of the current direction and its relationship to potential differences are identified as options D (current decreasing from b to a) and E (current increasing from b to a). The participants clarify that the potential difference arises from self-induced electromotive force (emf) rather than a battery, leading to the conclusion that both decreasing and increasing currents can be consistent with the observed potential difference.

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  • Basic principles of circuit analysis, particularly with zero-resistance components
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Homework Statement



A coil with zero resistance has its ends labelled a and b. When a current is passed through the coil the potential at a is higher than the potential at b. Which of the following would be consistent with this situation? (Note, there may be more than one correct alternative.)
A. The current is constant and is directed from a to b.
B. The current is constant and is directed from b to a.
C. The current is increasing and is directed from a to b.
D. The current is decreasing and is directed from a to b.
E. The current is increasing and is directed from b to a.
F. The current is decreasing and is directed from b to a.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



How would you interpret this question, is the potential at the ends labelled a and b from the self induced emf of the coil? Which gives the answer D/E.. Or is it like there is a battery where a is at the higher potential and b is at the lower potential in which case the voltage will start decreasing across the inductor as the current increases? which gives me C/F...
 
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The coil has no resistance so the battery drops no potential over it.
 

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