What is Lenz's law in electromagnetic induction?

Lenz's law states that the direction of an induced current in a circuit opposes the change that caused it.

When a magnetic field changes near a conductor, it induces an electromotive force (EMF) that creates a current in the conductor. Lenz's law explains the direction of this current. The law states that the direction of the induced current is such that it opposes the change that caused it. This means that if the magnetic field is increasing, the induced current will flow in a direction that creates a magnetic field that opposes the increase. Similarly, if the magnetic field is decreasing, the induced current will flow in a direction that creates a magnetic field that opposes the decrease.

Lenz's law is a consequence of the law of conservation of energy. The induced current creates a magnetic field that opposes the change in the original magnetic field. This means that energy is required to maintain the original magnetic field, and this energy is supplied by the work done on the conductor by the changing magnetic field.

Lenz's law has many practical applications, including in electric generators and motors. In a generator, the motion of a conductor through a magnetic field induces a current that can be used to generate electricity. In a motor, the opposite occurs: a current flowing through a conductor in a magnetic field creates a force that causes the conductor to move. By understanding Lenz's law, we can design more efficient and effective electromagnetic devices.