When you close the switch S in the figure, the potential between A and B drops to zero. The current in the top loop does not immediately drop to zero because
A) the top loop has less resistance than the bottom loop.
B) an EMF is generated in the inductor L.
C) an EMF is generated in the resistor R.
D) the current depends only on the resistance in the circuit.
E) Kirchhoff's junction rule states that the current into a junction must equal the current out of the junction.

Question

When you close the switch S in the figure, the potential between A and B drops to zero. The current in the top loop does not immediately drop to zero because
A) the top loop has less resistance than the bottom loop. 
B) an EMF is generated in the inductor L. 
C) an EMF is generated in the resistor R. 
D) the current depends only on the resistance in the circuit. 
E) Kirchhoff's junction rule states that the current into a junction must equal the current out of the junction.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the switch S is closed, the current in the top loop will experience a change in magnetic flux due to the inductor L. This change in magnetic flux will induce an EMF in the inductor, which will oppose the change in current. This means that the current in the top loop will not immediately drop to zero, but will instead decrease gradually over time. Therefore, choice B is the best answer as an EMF is generated in the inductor L.

When You Close the Switch S in the Figure, the Potential