An open loop of wire is moved towards a coil carrying a steady curren…

The correct answer is Option (3) → Anticlockwise

By Lenz’s law, the induced emf tries to drive a current that opposes the change in magnetic flux. In an open loop no current can flow, but the emf is still induced across its open ends with this polarity.

The current in the coil is clockwise as seen by the observer. So by the right-hand thumb rule, the field of the coil at the loop points away from the observer, towards the coil. As the loop moves towards the coil, the field through it grows, so the flux through the loop increases.

Option (1) Clockwise — Incorrect. A clockwise emf would try to set up a field along the coil’s own field. This would add to the increasing flux, which goes against Lenz’s law.

Option (2) No emf is induced — Incorrect. An emf is induced whenever the flux through the loop changes. The loop does not have to be closed for the emf to appear across its ends.

Option (3) Anticlockwise — Correct. To oppose the increase in flux away from the observer, the emf must try to set up a field towards the observer. So its sense is anticlockwise as seen by the observer.

Option (4) A steady clockwise current flows round the open loop — Incorrect. An open loop is not a complete path, so no current flows round it. Only an emf appears across its open ends, and that emf is anticlockwise.

NCERT (2026-27):
Lenz’s Law and Conservation of Energy – “The polarity of induced emf is such that it tends to produce a current which opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it.”

Points to Ponder – “2. In a closed circuit, electric currents are induced so as to oppose the changing magnetic flux. It is as per the law of conservation of energy. However, in case of an open circuit, an emf is induced across its ends.”