Chapter 31, Problem 31.5QQ

In an equal-arm balance from the early 20th century (Fig. 31.23), an aluminum sheet hangs from one of the arms and passes between the poles of a magnet, causing the oscillations of the balance to decay rapidly. In the absence of such magnetic braking, the oscillation might continue for a long time, and the experimenter would have to wait to take a reading. Why do the oscillations decay? (a) because the aluminum sheet is attracted to the magnet (b) because currents in the aluminum sheet set up a magnetic field that opposes the oscillations (c) because aluminum is paramagnetic

Figure 31.23 (Quick Quiz 31.5) In an old-fashioned equal-arm balance, an aluminum sheet hangs between the poles of a magnet.