Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2004/ib/paper-3/7b/solution

Choose positive circulation anticlockwise as viewed from positive . The linked magnetic flux is , so Faraday law, including the motional contribution, gives
The conducting circuit consists of two arms of length and two transverse pieces of length . Its resistance is , where is resistance per unit length. Neglecting self-inductance as in the quasistatic circuit model, the current is
On the moving rod this positive current points along , so the Lorentz force is . Its mass is , not the mass of the entire circuit. Newton's equation consequently gives
For constant , the force opposes , as expected from Lenz's law. The prescribed time dependence of the external field can also supply energy to the rod.

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