Question #349

This week an empty aluminum soda can is hung from a string above (but not touching) a strong horseshoe magnet. The magnet is mounted on a rotating platform so that the magnet can be spun freely below the can, as shown in the photograph below.

Question: When magnet is rotated clockwise (as viewed from above) how will the empty soda can behave? (Remember aluminum, although a great conductor, is not a magnetic (ferrous) material.)

• (a) The soda can will rotate clockwise.
• (b) The soda can will rotate counter-clockwise.
• (c) The soda can will remain motionless.

Click here for Answer #349 after September 14, 2009.

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