A bar magnet is dropped from above and falls through the loop of wire shown below. The north pole of the bar magnet points downward towards the page as it falls. Which statement is correct?
A)The current in the loop always flows in a clockwise direction.
B)The current in the loop always flows in a counterclockwise direction.
C)The current in the loop flows first in a clockwise, then in a counterclockwise direction.
D)The current in the loop flows first in a counterclockwise, then in a clockwise direction.
E)No current flows in the loop because both ends of the magnet move through the loop.

Question

A bar magnet is dropped from above and falls through the loop of wire shown below. The north pole of the bar magnet points downward towards the page as it falls. Which statement is correct? 
A)The current in the loop always flows in a clockwise direction. 
B)The current in the loop always flows in a counterclockwise direction. 
C)The current in the loop flows first in a clockwise, then in a counterclockwise direction. 
D)The current in the loop flows first in a counterclockwise, then in a clockwise direction. 
E)No current flows in the loop because both ends of the magnet move through the loop.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the north pole of the bar magnet falls through the loop, it induces a counterclockwise current in the loop. When the magnet is halfway through the loop, the induced current stops because the magnetic field is not changing as quickly. As the magnet continues to fall through the loop and the south pole approaches, a clockwise current is induced. Therefore, the current in the loop flows first in a counterclockwise, then in a clockwise direction.

A Bar Magnet Is Dropped from Above and Falls Through