Answer
a. There is no induced current.
b. Counterclockwise.
Work Step by Step
a. The magnetic field lines are parallel to the face of the loop, and there is no magnetic flux. As the magnet moves closer the flux stays zero, there is no change of flux, and there is no induced current.
b. The magnet is now 4x thicker than the loop, so when they lie on the same horizontal table, $\frac{3}{4}$ of the magnet protrudes above the loop. Some magnetic field lines pass vertically downward from the magnetic north pole, through the loop. This flux increases as the magnet slides closer, so the induced field points upward through the horizontal loop to try to keep the flux from changing. The induced current is counterclockwise.
