Question

Now the switch on the electromagnet is reopened. The magnitude of the external magnetic flux through the wire loop ______ (A. increases, B. decreases, C. remains constant), and there is _______ (A. zero, B. a clockwise, C. a counterclockwise) current induced in the loop (as seen from the left. Enter the letters corresponding to the responses that correctly complete the statement above. For example: A,C View Available Hint(s)

Answer 1

When the switch on the electromagnet is reopened, the magnetic flux through the wire loop decreases, and a clockwise current is induced in the loop as seen from the left.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the switch on the electromagnet is reopened, the magnetic flux through the wire loop decreases because the source of the magnetic field (the electromagnet) is being removed or decreased in strength. According to Lenz's Law, an induced current will be generated in the wire loop that opposes the decrease in magnetic flux. By applying the right-hand rule, we can determine that the direction of this induced current will be such that it creates a magnetic field that attempts to maintain the original flux through the area of the loop. In accordance with these principles, when a switch on an electromagnet is opened, resulting in a decrease of the magnetic field through a loop, the induced current in the loop, as seen from the left, circulates in a clockwise direction.