Question

If the magnetic field outside a copper box is suddenly changed, what happens to the magnetic field inside the box? Such low-resistivity metals are used to form enclosures which shield objects inside them against varying magnetic fields.

Answer 1

The varying magnetic field induces eddy currents on the walls of the copper box. There is a magnetic field due to the induced eddy currents, that is in opposite direction. As copper has good conductivity, thus the magnetic field due to the eddy currents will be strong. The magnetic field induced due to eddy currents in the copper walls cancel the original magnetic field. Thus, magnetic field does not penetrate the enclosure made of copper. The magnetic field inside the box remains zero. This is how a copper box protects the inside material from varying magnetic fields.