Lenz's Law (Edexcel A Level Physics): Revision Note

Lenz's Law

• Lenz’s Law is used to predict the direction of an induced e.m.f in a coil or wire

• Lenz's Law is summarised below:

  The induced e.m.f is set up in a direction to produce effects that oppose the change causing it

Experimental Evidence for Lenz’s Law

• To verify Lenz’s Law, the only apparatus needed is:

  • A bar magnet

  • A coil of wire

  • A sensitive ammeter

• Note, a cell is not required

Lenz’s law can be verified using a coil connected in series with a sensitive ammeter and a bar magnet

• A known pole (either north or south) of a bar magnet is pushed into the coil

  • This induces an e.m.f in the coil

  • The induced e.m.f drives a current (because it is a complete circuit)

• Lenz's Law dictates: 

  • The direction of the e.m.f, and hence the current, must be set up to oppose the incoming magnet

  • Since a north pole approaches the coil face, the e.m.f must be set up to create an induced north pole

  • This is because two north poles will repel each other

• The direction of the current is therefore as shown in the image above

  • The direction of current can be verified using the right hand grip rule

  • Fingers curl around the coil in the direction of current and the thumb points along the direction of the flux lines, from north to south 

  • Therefore, the current flows in an anti-clockwise direction in the image shown, in order to induce a north pole opposing the incoming magnet

• Reversing the magnet direction would give an opposite deflection on the voltmeter

  • Lenz's Law now predicts a south pole induced at the coil entrance

  • This would attract the north pole attempting to leave 

  • Therefore, the induced e.m.f always produces effects to oppose the changes causing it

• Lenz's Law is a direct consequence of the principle of conservation of energy

  • Electromagnetic effects will not create electrical energy out of nothing

  • In order to induce and sustain an e.m.f, for instance, work must be done in order to overcome the repulsive effect due to Lenz's Law