Question

Write a hypothesis about the effect of the magnet polarity on the induced current. Use the "if . . . then . . .
because . . ." format and be sure to answer the lesson question: "How does magnetic polarity affect the current flowing in a loop of wire?"

Answer 1

If the polarity of a magnet facing a wire loop is reversed (north becomes south) while the magnet is moved toward or away from the loop in the same way, then the induced current in the loop will reverse direction, because reversing the magnet’s polarity reverses the direction of the magnetic field through the loop and thus the sign of the change in magnetic flux; by Faraday’s law an emf is induced proportional to that change and by Lenz’s law the resulting current flows in the direction that opposes it, so flipping the polarity flips the current direction.

Answer to lesson question: Magnetic polarity affects the direction of the induced current in a loop (reversing polarity reverses the current); the magnitude of the current depends on field strength and rate of change, not polarity alone.