MCQEasyJEE 2023Lenz's Law & Eddy Currents

JEE Physics 2023 Question with Solution

Provided that below are two statements : One is labelled as Assertion AA and the other is labelled as Reason RR. Assertion AA: A bar magnet dropped through a metallic cylindrical pipe takes more time to come down compared to a non-magnetic bar with same geometry and mass. Reason RR: For the magnetic bar, Eddy currents are produced in the metallic pipe which oppose the motion of the magnetic bar. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options Provided that below:

(1) AA is true but RR is false

(2) Both AA and RR are true but RR is NOT the correct explanation of AA

(3) AA is false but RR is true

(4) Both AA and RR are true and RR is the correct explanation of AA

  • A

    AA is true but RR is false

  • B

    Both AA and RR are true but RR is NOT the correct explanation of AA

  • C

    AA is false but RR is true

  • D

    Both AA and RR are true and RR is the correct explanation of AA

Answer

Correct answer:D

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: A bar magnet is dropped through a metallic cylindrical pipe and compared with a non-magnetic bar of the same geometry and mass.

Find: Which assertion-reason option is correct.

When the magnet falls through the metallic pipe, the magnetic flux linked with the pipe changes. This induces eddy currents in the pipe.

According to Lenz's law, the induced eddy currents produce a magnetic field that opposes the change causing them. Therefore, the induced magnetic effect opposes the motion of the falling magnet.

Because of this opposing force, the magnet descends more slowly than a non-magnetic bar of the same mass and geometry.

So, Assertion AA is true.

Also, the statement in Reason RR correctly states that eddy currents are produced in the metallic pipe and they oppose the motion of the magnetic bar. Hence, Reason RR is true.

Since the reason directly explains why the magnet takes more time to come down, Reason RR is the correct explanation of Assertion AA.

Therefore, the correct option is D.

The solution shows "The Correct Option is A", but the accompanying explanation and final answer clearly conclude that both AA and RR are true and RR correctly explains AA. Hence the defensible correct option from the listed choices is D.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the magnet falls slowly because of its mass or shape alone is incorrect, because the question already states the non-magnetic bar has the same geometry and mass. The key difference is magnetic interaction with the metallic pipe through induced eddy currents.

  • Thinking eddy currents help the magnet move downward is incorrect. By Lenz's law, the induced currents always oppose the change in magnetic flux, so the resulting magnetic effect opposes the magnet's motion.

  • Choosing the option where both statements are true but unrelated is incorrect. Here the reason is not merely true; it directly explains the slower descent of the magnet through the pipe.

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