Date | May 2012 | Marks available | 4 | Reference code | 12M.2.HL.TZ1.6 |
Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 2 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
Command term | Explain | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
This question is about electromagnetic induction.
State Lenz’s law.
Two identical aluminium balls are dropped simultaneously from the same height. Ball P falls through a region with no magnetic field. Ball Q falls through a region of uniform horizontal magnetic flux density B.
Explain why ball Q takes longer than ball P to reach the ground.
Markscheme
induced emf/induced current acts so as to oppose the change causing it;
ball Q enters/leaves magnetic field / experiences changing flux;
so an emf/current is induced;
this causes a magnetic field;
which opposes the motion of / exerts an upward force on ball Q;
or in terms of energy:
ball Q moves through a magnetic field / experiences changing flux;
so an emf/current is induced;
current causes dissipative heating due to resistance;
some kinetic energy changes to thermal energy;