A copper coil is placed on a horizontal wooden table. A magnetic bar…

The correct answer is Option (2) → The induced current will be produced in the coil in an anti-clockwise direction.

Note: The given answer is as per the official NTA Answer Key. However, the question can have more than one correct answer, i.e. both Option (2) and Option (3), as explained below. A direction stated as clockwise or anticlockwise without the viewing side is normally seen from the side of the magnet (here, from above); this is probably the reading behind the NTA answer, Option (2).

By Lenz’s law the approaching N pole makes the upper face of the coil a north pole, and a face acts as a north pole when the current appears anticlockwise to an observer looking at it.

Option (1) There will be no induced current produced in the coil. — Incorrect. The flux changes while the magnet falls.

Option (2) The induced current will be produced in the coil in an anti-clockwise direction. — Correct. Seen from above (the side of the magnet), the current appears anticlockwise.

Option (3) The induced current will be produced in the coil in a clockwise direction. — Correct. Seen from below the table, the same induced current appears clockwise.

Option (4) If the coil has a greater number of turns in it, the induced current will be less. — Incorrect. More turns give a larger induced emf, \( \varepsilon = -N\,d\phi/dt \), not a smaller current.

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.”

Lenz’s Law and Conservation of Energy – “… As the North-pole of the bar magnet moves towards the coil, the magnetic flux through the coil increases. Hence current is induced in the coil in such a direction that it opposes the increase in flux. This is possible only if the current in the coil is in a counter-clockwise direction with respect to an observer situated on the side of the magnet.”