If we drop a permanent magnet through an aluminum pipe, the magnet
falls slowly due to eddy current loops induced above and below the
falling magnet.
What if one instead drops an aluminum cylinder through a solenoid
(having a constant current): Will the cylinder fall (significantly)
slower than with the current off?
If this has never been tried before experimentally to anyone's
knowledge, I'll try to set it up and see. But first I thought I'd ask
if either anyone has tried it or can make a definite prediction about
the answer?
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Carl E Mungan, Assoc Prof of Physics 410-293-6680 (O) -3729 (F)
Naval Academy Stop 9c, 572C Holloway Rd, Annapolis MD 21402-1363 mailto:mungan@usna.eduhttp://usna.edu/Users/physics/mungan/