The counterattacking force: Lenz’s law explained

Have you ever wondered how electricity is created? Or what happens when you move a magnet near a wire? If so, you’ll want to know about Lenz’s Law, the mysterious force that fights electromagnetic induction. To understand Lenz’s Law, we must first talk about electromagnetic induction. This is the process where a changing magnetic field creates an electrical current in a nearby conductor, such as a wire, it’s the same process that generates electricity in power plants, and it’s also what happens when you use a generator to turn on light of a bicycle.

So what does Lenz’s Law have to do with electromagnetic induction? Well, it’s a law that explains how the direction of the induced current opposes the change that caused it, in simpler terms, it’s like a force fighting against the magnetic field that created it. Let’s break this down with an example, imagine you have a magnet and a coil of wire. If you move the magnet toward the coil, the magnetic field lines will cut the wire and create a current. This current will create its own magnetic field, which will oppose the movement of the magnet. This is Lenz’s Law in action!

To remind yourself of this, you can think of Lenz’s Law as a “jedi mind trick” of electromagnetism. Just like the Jedi use the Force to push back their enemies, Lenz’s Law uses electromagnetism to push back the magnetic field that created it. But why is Lenz’s Law important? Well, it helps us understand how electric motors work and how to protect sensitive electronic components from damage. For example, if you’ve ever unplugged a power cord and felt an electrical shock, that’s because Lenz’s Law is causing a surge in current as the magnetic field collapses.

Lenz’s Law may seem like a mysterious force, but it is actually a fundamental principle of electromagnetism. Whether you’re building a motor, designing a circuit, or just curious about how the world works, understanding Lenz’s Law can help you unlock the secrets of electricity.

Let’s watch the following video that shows us Lenz’s Law in action!