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Ch 29: Electromagnetic Induction
Chapter 29, Problem 29

A cardboard tube is wrapped with two windings of insulated wire wound in opposite directions, as shown in Fig. E29.20. Terminals a and bof winding A may be connected to a battery through a revers-ing switch. State whether the induced current in the resistor Ris from left to right or from right to left in the following circumstances: (a) the current in winding Ais from a to b and is increasing; (b) the current in winding A is from b to a and is decreasing; (c) the current in winding A is from b to a and is increasing.

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1
Identify the direction of the current in winding A and whether it is increasing or decreasing for each scenario.
Apply the right-hand rule to determine the direction of the magnetic field produced by winding A. Curl the fingers of your right hand in the direction of the current, and your thumb will point in the direction of the magnetic field.
Use Lenz's Law to determine the direction of the induced current in winding B. Lenz's Law states that the induced current will flow in a direction that opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it.
Consider the effect of the opposing winding direction of B relative to A. Since the wires are wound in opposite directions, the induced magnetic field in B due to a current in A will also be in the opposite direction to that of A's magnetic field.
Combine the effects of the magnetic field direction and Lenz's Law to conclude the direction of the induced current in the resistor R for each scenario.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction is the process by which a changing magnetic field within a closed loop induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the wire. This principle, discovered by Faraday, states that the induced EMF is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux through the loop. It is fundamental in understanding how currents can be generated in circuits due to changes in nearby currents.
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Lenz's Law

Lenz's Law states that the direction of the induced current will be such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it. This means that if the current in winding A is increasing, the induced current in the resistor will flow in a direction that creates a magnetic field opposing this increase. This law is crucial for determining the direction of induced currents in various scenarios.
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Right-Hand Rule

The Right-Hand Rule is a mnemonic used to determine the direction of the induced current and magnetic fields. By pointing the thumb of the right hand in the direction of the current and curling the fingers, one can find the direction of the magnetic field. This rule helps visualize the relationship between current, magnetic fields, and induced currents, making it easier to analyze complex circuits.
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