Changing Fields, a Lab Activity
In this lesson, students show how an induced magnetic field can slow a falling magnet or make loop jump. A formal lecture emphasizes the relevant magnetic induction concepts as it explains the observed phenomena. Homework problems and solutions are included.
When a magnet falls through a conducting pipe, eddy currents develop that produce a reverse magnetic field that slows the falling magnet. This demonstration, which usually amazes students, can be explained using the principle of electromagnetic induction. Students should understand that the reverse magnetic field is produced by the moving charges in the eddy current.
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