Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2008 / ib / Paper 2 / 17B (Electromagnetism)

The bar's motion increases positive $z$-directed magnetic flux at rate $B\ell v$. By Lenz's law, induced current circulates clockwise as viewed from positive $z$, producing a field into the page. Equivalently $\mathbf{v}\times \mathbf{B}=-vB\hat{\mathbf{y}}$ drives positive charge down the moving bar. The motional electromotive force has magnitude $B\ell v$, soThe current flows downward in the bar, left along the lower rail, upward through the resistor, and right along the upper rail. The ideal circuit approximation neglects self-inductance and the bar's resistance.

The current vector along the bar points downward. Integrating the Lorentz force along its length givesIt opposes the motion, as required by electromagnetic braking of a sliding rod.

Newton's second law with the computed Lorentz force gives $m\dot{v}=-(B^2{\ell }^2/R)v$. Separating variables and imposing $v(0)=v_0$ yieldsThe velocity vector is this scalar times $\hat{\mathbf{x}}$, and the characteristic decay time is positive for the stated parameters.

The resistor's Joule heating power is $I^{2}R=(B^2{\ell }^2/R)v_0^2{e}^{-2t/\tau }$. Integrating up to time $t$ givesThe remaining kinetic energy is $K(t)=\frac{1}{2}m{v}_0^2{e}^{-2t/\tau }$, so $\boxed{Q(t)+K(t)=\frac{1}{2}m{v}_0^2}$ at every time. In particular $\boxed{Q(\infty )=\frac{1}{2}m{v}_0^2}$: all initial kinetic energy becomes heat. The magnetic force's mechanical power is $-I^{2}R$, consistent with this energy balance.