Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 25 - Think and Discuss - Page 483: 91

Answer

When the magnet drops through the copper pipe, the moving magnetic field induces a circumferential current in the conducting pipe, which in turn gives rise to an induced magnetic field. This is predicted by Faraday's law, as stated on page 479. This induced magnetic field opposes the field that produced it. The magnet interacts with the field and falls much more slowly than a nonmagnetized object.

Work Step by Step

If you are interested, the term to look up is "eddy currents".
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.