Question

A piece of aluminum is dropped vertically downward between the poles of an electromagnet. Does the magnetic field affect the velocity of the aluminum? Explain. Does the shape of the aluminum have an effect?explain.

Answer 1

Magnetic field will affect the velocity of aluminm piece. When the aluminum piece, which is a conductor; comes near the poles, the flux through it will increase. This will induce an emf in accordance with Lenze's law and current will flow through aluminum.
The shape of aluminum will have an effect since the current flow depends on the shape of aluminum. If it is a circular loop, flow will create magnetic fields, which will oppose the magnetic field between the pole pieces.