Lenz’s law focus: Lenz’s law determines the polarity (direction) of the induced voltage and current such that the induced effect opposes the change causing it. True or false?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: True

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Lenz’s law complements Faraday’s law by setting the sign of the induced EMF. It ensures energy conservation by making the induced effects oppose the change in magnetic flux, critical for determining winding polarities and current directions.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Faraday’s law magnitude: |E| = N * dΦ/dt in appropriate units.
  • Polarity must be chosen so that induced current opposes flux change.
  • Applies to motion EMF and transformer EMF contexts.


Concept / Approach:

Lenz’s law states the induced EMF and resulting current create a magnetic field that opposes the change in original magnetic flux. Practically, it tells you which terminal becomes positive during increasing flux and the direction of induced current around a loop.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify whether flux through the loop is increasing or decreasing.Assign a hypothetical current direction; determine the magnetic field it would create.Choose the current direction that opposes the change in flux.From that direction, deduce voltage polarity across the element or loop.


Verification / Alternative check:

Use the right-hand rule in generators: reversing motion or field reverses polarity consistent with Lenz’s law. Experimental observations match the predicted opposing behavior, confirming its role in setting polarity.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • “False” would suggest Lenz’s law does not set polarity, contradicting foundational electromagnetic principles and practical winding-dot conventions.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing “opposes the cause” with “opposes the field itself.” The induced effect opposes the change in flux, not necessarily the original field at all times. Sign errors are common if reference directions are not defined first.


Final Answer:

True

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