(a) Have you ever visited an amusement park and taken a ride ona parachute drop ride? These types of rides take thepassengers to a great height, and then drop them in free fall.Before they hit the ground, the ride is slowed using a Lenz’s lawmechanism thus avoiding certain death. For this discussion, firstlocate a photo of one of these rides (either one you’ve personallyexperienced or one you might like to try someday), and in yourinitial post, upload the photo and respond to the following:
- Explain how Lenz’s law applies to this situation.
- Why is the Lenz’s law mechanism ideal for such a use?
- What other mechanisms can be used to slow the descent? Compareand contrast these options with the Lenz’s law mechanism.
(b) As you have learned, an electromagnet is a magnet that isproduced by electric current. Think about how electromagnets areused and what you have seen or heard of them being used for. Inyour initial discussion post, respond to the following:
- Which of the principles or laws discussed in this moduleexplain how an electromagnet works?
- Describe in detail two modern applications of electromagnets.Do these electromagnets draw a large amount of current or a little?How do you know? What supplies that current?
- Why do you think electromagnets are used in these differentways?
- What is the advantage of using an electromagnet rather than apermanent magnet?
