Lenz's Law Demonstration
This simulation demonstrates Lenz's Law through eddy currents and magnetic braking. Observe how conductive plates slow down when moving near magnets due to induced eddy currents.
When conductive plates move near magnets, eddy currents are induced that oppose the motion (Lenz's Law). Slotted plates experience less braking than solid ones.
Lenz's Law and Eddy Currents
1. When a conductor moves through a magnetic field, eddy currents are induced in the conductor.
2. These currents create their own magnetic field that opposes the original change (Lenz's Law).
3. This opposition causes the magnetic braking effect.
• Conductivity of material (copper > aluminum)
• Strength of magnetic field
• Speed of the conductor
• Geometry of conductor (slotted reduces eddy currents)
• Magnetic brakes in trains and roller coasters
• Eddy current separators in recycling
• Damping in sensitive measuring instruments
