Direction of induced current explanation

[EvilMunchkin]

Homework Statement

(Draw a diagram illustrating the direction of the electric current induced in a conductor as it passes through a magnetic field)

Write a short paragraph in which you explain your reasoning for the direction of the current in your diagram refer specifically to the motor principle and Lenz's law.

Homework Equations

Lenz's law: The current induced in a conductor by a changing magnetic field will be in a direction such that its own magnetic field will oppose the change that produced it. - I am not sure what an opposing magnetic field is does that mean it is in the opposite direction.

Motor principle: A force exerted on a current-carrying conductor when it is in a magnetic field is referred to as the motor principle.

The Attempt at a Solution

So I understand that if the conductor passed from top to bottom with the north pole of a magnet on the left and south pole on the right the current would be coming out of the page. What I do not understand is how to explain this using the motor principle and Lenz's law.

I am thinking of saying something like the current is coming out of the page because this would support Lenz's law because the magnetic field around the conductor would be opposite to that of the magnetic field created by the magnets.

Not sure at all how to tie the motor principle in.

Any help would be appreciated, Thank-you.

 

[anathema]

Thank you for your question. I can explain the reasoning behind the direction of the induced current in your diagram. According to Lenz's law, the induced current will flow in a direction that produces a magnetic field that opposes the change that caused it. In this case, the change is the movement of the conductor through the magnetic field. Therefore, the induced current will produce a magnetic field that opposes this movement.

This is where the motor principle comes into play. The force exerted on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is known as the motor principle. In your diagram, the conductor is moving from top to bottom in a magnetic field with the north pole on the left and the south pole on the right. According to the motor principle, the force exerted on the conductor will be in a direction that is perpendicular to both the direction of the current and the magnetic field. In this case, the force will be directed out of the page, causing the current to flow in the same direction.

Therefore, the direction of the induced current in your diagram is consistent with both Lenz's law and the motor principle. I hope this explanation helps clarify any confusion. Please let me know if you have any further questions.