According to Lenz's Law, what determines the direction of an induced current in a conductor?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: It flows to oppose the variation in magnetic flux causing it.
Explanation
According to Lenz's Law, the direction of induced current in a conductor is such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it.
This law is a consequence of the law of conservation of energy:
If the induced current did not oppose the change, energy would be created without input
Instead, nature resists the change in magnetic field
So, the induced current always acts to counter the increase or decrease in magnetic flux.
Additional Key Points
Discovered by Heinrich Lenz
Works along with Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic
Induction
Used in:
Electric generators
Transformers
Eddy current braking systems
Direction is always such that it opposes the cause of induction
Potential Questions & Answers
Q. Who formulated Lenz’s Law?
Ans: Heinrich Lenz
Q. In which devices is Lenz’s Law applied?
Ans: Electric generators and transformers