Chapter 30, Problem 38AP

In Figure P30.38, the rolling axle, 1.50 m long, is pushed along horizontal rails at a constant speed v = 3.00 m/s. A resistor R = 0.400 Ω is connected to the rails at points a and b, directly opposite each other. The wheels make good electrical contact with the rails, so the axle, rails, and R form a closed-loop circuit. The only significant resistance in the circuit is R. A uniform magnetic field B = 0.080 0 T is vertically downward. (a) Find the induced current I in the resistor. (b) What horizontal force F is required to keep the axle rolling at constant speed? (c) Which end of the resistor, a or b, is at the higher electric potential? (d) What If? After the axle rolls past the resistor, does the current in R reverse direction? Explain your answer.

Figure P30.38