Lenz's Law is a principle in physics that describes the direction of an induced current when there is a change in the magnetic field around a conductor. It states that the direction of the induced current will always oppose the change that caused it.
A simple way to remember Lenzβs Law is by using the
Lenz's Law thumb rule:
Right Hand Thumb Rule for Lenz's Law:
- Point the thumb of your right hand in the direction of the motion of the conductor (or the magnetic flux change).
- Curl your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field lines created by the induced current.
- The direction your fingers curl indicates the direction of the induced current, which opposes the change that caused it.
In simple terms, the induced current tries to oppose the change in the magnetic field. If a magnetic field is increasing through a loop, the induced current will flow in such a way that it creates a magnetic field opposing the increase. Similarly, if the magnetic field is decreasing, the induced current will try to maintain the original field strength by creating a field in the same direction.
This law is a consequence of the conservation of energy and ensures that energy is never created or destroyed in the process.