Question

Eddy currents are electric currents that can arise in a piece of metal when it moves through a region where the magnetic field is not the same everywhere. The drawing shows, for example, a metal sheet moving to the right at a velocity and a magnetic field that is directed perpendicular to the sheet. At the instant represented, the field only extends over the left half of the sheet. An emf is induced that leads to the eddy current indicated. Such eddy currents cause the velocity of the moving sheet to decrease and are used in various devices as a brake to damp out unwanted motion. Does the eddy current in the drawing circulate (a) counterclockwise or (b) clockwise?

Answer 1

Answer:

b. clockwise

Explanation:

When the flux linked with the metal sheet sheet changes, an emf is induced which produces eddy currents. The magnetic field points perpendicular to the sheet, into the paper. The sheet moves towards right. The velocity of the sheet decreases due to eddy currents. The force produced will oppose the motion of the sheet, thereby slowing it down. Use right hand rule to find that the eddy current flows clockwise.