A 2 -m-long copper pipe is held vertically. When a marble is dropped down the pipe, it falls through in about 0.7 s. A magnet of similar size and shape takes much longer to fall through the pipe. (a) As the magnet is falling through the pipe with its north pole below its south pole, what direction do currents flow around the pipe above the magnet? Below the magnet (CW or CCW as viewed from the top)? (b) Sketch a graph of the speed of the magnet as a function of time. [Hint: What would the graph look like for a marble falling through honey?]

Short Answer

Expert verified
Question: Determine the direction of the induced currents above and below the falling magnet when the magnet's north pole is below it, and describe the shape of the graph representing the speed of the magnet as a function of time. Answer: The induced current above the magnet will flow counterclockwise (CCW), and the induced current below the magnet will flow clockwise (CW) when viewed from the top. The graph representing the speed of the magnet as a function of time will be a gradually increasing concave curve that levels off at a constant value for the terminal velocity.

Step by step solution

01

Application of Lenz's Law above the magnet

To determine the direction of the current above the magnet, consider the change in the magnetic field above the magnet as it falls. The north pole is below the magnet, so the magnetic field is moving downward. According to Lenz's Law, the induced current will flow in a direction to oppose this change. This means that the current will flow in a direction such that it will generate a magnetic field moving upward. So, using the right-hand rule, we're able to deduce that the current will flow counterclockwise (CCW) when viewed from the top.
02

Application of Lenz's Law below the magnet

Similar to step 1, consider the change in the magnetic field below the magnet as it falls. The south pole is above the magnet, which means the magnetic field is moving upward. The induced current will flow in a direction to oppose this change. According to Lenz's Law, this means that the current will flow in a direction such that it will generate a magnetic field moving downward. Using the right-hand rule, the current will flow clockwise (CW) when viewed from the top.
03

Understanding the motion of the magnet

In order to sketch the graph representing the speed of the magnet as a function of time during its fall through the pipe, consider the magnet's motion. It starts from rest and falls under the influence of gravity. However, due to the induced currents, there will be a magnetic force acting against the motion of the magnet, analogous to a resistive force like air resistance or friction. These magnetic forces will cause the magnet's speed to increase more slowly than free-falling due to gravity. Eventually, the magnetic forces will balance out the gravitational force, causing the magnet to reach a constant terminal velocity.
04

Sketching the graph of the speed of the magnet as a function of time

In the graph, the x-axis represents time, and the y-axis represents the speed of the magnet. At the beginning of the fall, the magnet's speed is zero. As the magnet falls, the speed increases, but at a slower rate due to magnetic forces acting against it. This results in a gradually increasing concave curve. The graph will eventually level off at a constant value for the terminal velocity, indicating that the magnet has reached a constant speed during its descent, as the magnetic and gravitational forces are in balance. Thus, the graph will resemble a marble falling through honey, as the shape of the graph and terminal velocity concept will be similar.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

In this problem, you derive the expression for the self inductance of a long solenoid [Eq. \((20-15 a)] .\) The solenoid has \(n\) turns per unit length, length \(\ell,\) and radius \(r\) Assume that the current flowing in the solenoid is \(I\) (a) Write an expression for the magnetic field inside the solenoid in terms of \(n, \ell, r, I,\) and universal constants. (b) Assume that all of the field lines cut through each turn of the solenoid. In other words, assume the field is uniform right out to the ends of the solenoid-a good approximation if the solenoid is tightly wound and sufficiently long. Write an expression for the magnetic flux through one turn. (c) What is the total flux linkage through all turns of the solenoid? (d) Use the definition of self-inductance [Eq. \((20-14)]\) to find the self inductance of the solenoid.
The alternator in an automobile generates an emf of amplitude $12.6 \mathrm{V}\( when the engine idles at \)1200 \mathrm{rpm}$. What is the amplitude of the emf when the car is being driven on the highway with the engine at 2800 rpm?
A \(0.67 \mathrm{mH}\) inductor and a \(130 \Omega\) resistor are placed in series with a \(24 \mathrm{V}\) battery. (a) How long will it take for the current to reach \(67 \%\) of its maximum value? (b) What is the maximum energy stored in the inductor? (c) How long will it take for the energy stored in the inductor to reach \(67 \%\) of its maximum value? Comment on how this compares with the answer in part (a).
A step-down transformer has 4000 turns on the primary and 200 turns on the secondary. If the primary voltage amplitude is \(2.2 \mathrm{kV},\) what is the secondary voltage amplitude?
A doorbell uses a transformer to deliver an amplitude of \(8.5 \mathrm{V}\) when it is connected to a \(170-\mathrm{V}\) amplitude line. If there are 50 turns on the secondary, (a) what is the turns ratio? (b) How many turns does the primary have?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free