Question:medium

A vertically held bar magnet is dropped along the axis of a copper ring having a cut as shown in the diagram. The acceleration of the falling magnet is:
vertically held bar magnet is dropped along the axis of a copper ring

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A cut in the ring breaks the circuit and prevents eddy currents from forming, so the magnet falls freely with acceleration \( g \).
Updated On: Feb 10, 2026
  • zero
  • less than \( g \)
  • \( g \)
  • greater than \( g \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

A bar magnet dropped through a conducting loop (e.g., a copper ring) induces eddy currents due to the changing magnetic flux. According to Lenz's law, these eddy currents oppose the magnet's motion, resulting in an acceleration less than \( g \). In contrast, a cut in the copper ring breaks the circuit, preventing eddy current formation. With no induced current, there's no opposing magnetic force on the magnet.Consequently, the magnet is only influenced by gravity, falling with an acceleration precisely equal to \( g \).
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