Question

State Lenz’s Law.

Answer 1

It is stated that the direction of induced e.m.f. is always in such a direction that it opposes the change in magnetic flux.

e = `(d phi)/(dt)`

Consider a rectangular metal coil PQRS. Let ‘L’ be the length of the coil. It is placed in a partly magnetic field ‘B’. The direction of the magnetic field is perpendicular to the paper and into the paper. The ‘x’ part of the coil is in the magnetic field at instant t. If the coil is moved towards the right with a velocity v = `dx/dt` with the help of an external agent, such as a hand. The magnetic flux through the coil is:

Φ = BA = BLx

∴ Φ = BLx     ...(1)

There is relative motion of a current through the coil. Let ‘i’ be current through the coil.

Three forces act on the coil.

F₁ on conductor PL ∴ F₁ = B_i x, vertically upward.

F₂ on conductor MS ∴ F₂ = B_i x, vertically downward.

F₃ on conductor SP ∴ F₃ = B_i L towards left.

F₁ and F₂ are equal and opposite and also on the same line. They will cancel each other; F₃ is a resultant force. The external agent has to do work against this force.

∴ F₃ = −B_i l    ...(−ve sign indicates that force is opposite to dx.)

If dx is the displacement in time dt, then the work done (d_w) = F₃ dx.

∴ d_w = − B_iL dx

This power is an electrical energy ‘ei’ where ‘e’ is an induced e.m.f.

∴ e_i = `-(B_i ldx)/(dt)`

∴ e = `-(BLdx)/(dt)`

∴ e = −BLv

∴ e = `-d/dt (BLx)`

∴ e = `(-d phi)/(dt)`    ...[from eq (1)]

Answer 2

Lenz’s Law states that the direction of the induced electromotive force (EMF) and the resulting current in a conductor is always such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that caused it. 

Mathematically, Lenz’s Law is expressed as:

ε = `(-d phi_B)/dt`

Where,

ε = Induced EMF

Φ_B = Magnetic flux

The negative sign indicates opposition to the change in flux.