Question

a loop of resistance R width w (horizontal) and very long length L (vertical) is falling under gravity in a B field perpendicular to its plane (into the page) and non-zero only below some height. Assuming some part of the loop is always outside the field region:

1) which way does the current in the loop flow?

2) explain why the loop will eventually reach a terminal speed

3) derive an expression for the terminal speed of the loop

(show steps please)

Answer 1

2)Every object has a terminal velocity, which is the speed it can travel while having a constant force. When an object falls it typically accelerates as it falls, however, eventually the air resistance or drag becomes too great to allow the object to continue accelerating. This occurs when the gravitational force and drag become equal. If an object is falling under a source of power other than gravity, such as an engine, then it will take longer for it to reach its terminal velocity.