Chapter 23: Q23.3-8CQ (page 858)

A powerful induction cannon can be made by placing a metal cylinder inside a solenoid coil. The cylinder is forcefully expelled when the solenoid current is turned on rapidly. Use Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws to explain how this works. Why might the cylinder get live/hot when the cannon is fired?

Short Answer

Expert verified

When the cannon is fired, a large current will flow through the metal cylinder. This current will produce a tremendous amount of heat, which will heat the metal.

Step by step solution

Definition of Faraday’s and Lenz’s law

The direction of an induced current is stated by Lenz's law, and the magnitude of the induced back EMF is related to the rate of change in the inducing magnetic field by Faraday's law.

These two fundamental physical laws work together to govern how magnetic fields are generated by conductors carrying direct current or alternating current.

Explanation

When the solenoid current is turned quickly, the current in the coil changes dramatically. This will cause a large induced current to flow through the metal inside the coil.

According to Lenz's law, the induced current will cause the metal to feel a repulsive force, causing the metal to be forcefully expelled.