LENZ’S LAW

➢ It is named after physicist Emil Lenz, who formulated it in 1834.

FORMULA:

which indicates that the induced electromotive force and the rate of change in magnetic
flux have opposite signs.

This means that the direction of the back EMF of an induced field opposes the changing
current that is its cause.

If a change in the magnetic field of current i1 induces another electric current, i2, the
direction of i2 is opposite that of the change in i1. If these currents are in two coaxial
circular conductors ℓ1 and ℓ2 respectively, and both are initially 0, then the currents i1
and i2 must counter-rotate. The opposing currents will repel each other as a result.

How is Lenz's Law related to the conservation of energy?

In Lenz law, the current induced in any conductor, always oppose the cause of the
producing current.

Lenz law follows the conservation of energy as the effort that has put in the opposite
force results in the change of magnetic flux that leads to the formation of electrical
energy.

So, the efforts in the opposite force will lead to the formation of electrical energy. Hence
Lenz law follows conservation of energy.
Lenz Law Experiment:

To find the direction of the induced electromotive force and current we use Lenz’s
law. Some experiments are below.

First Experiment:

➢ In the first experiment, when the current in the coil flows in the circuit, the
magnetic field lines are produced. As the current flows through the coil increases,
the magnetic flux will increase. The direction of the flow of induced current would
be such that it opposes when the magnetic flux increases.

Second Experiment:

➢ In the second experiment, when the current-carrying coil is wound on an iron rod
with its left end behaving as N-pole and is moved towards the coil S, an induced
current will be produced.

Third Experiment:

➢ In the third experiment, the coil is pulled towards the magnetic flux, the coil linked
it goes on decreasing which means that the area of the coil inside the magnetic
field decreases.

According to Lenz’s law, the motion of the coil is opposed when the induced current
is applied in the same direction.

To produce current, force is exerted by the magnet in the loop. To oppose the
change a force must be exerted by the current on the magnet.

Example:

Magnetic fields from strong magnets can create counter-rotating currents in a copper or
aluminum pipe. This is shown by dropping the magnet through the pipe. The descent of
the magnet inside the pipe is observably slower than when dropped outside the pipe.

➢ if the flux is increasing, the induced field acts in opposition to it. If it is decreasing,
the induced field acts in the direction of the applied field to oppose the change.
What are the application of Lenz’s law in daily life?

The Applications of Lenz's Law Include:

To establish the flow of current, the external source of the electromagnetic field has to
do some work for overcoming this opposition.

➢ Lenz's law is used in electromagnetic brakes and induction cooktops.

➢ It is also applied to electric generators, AC generators.
➢ Eddy Current Balances
➢ Metal detectors
➢ Eddy current dynamometers
➢ Braking systems on train
➢ Card Readers
➢ Microphones