Question

Metallic (nonferromagnetic) and nonmetallic particles in a solid waste may be separated as follows. The waste is allowed to slide down an incline over permanent magnets. The metallic particles slow down as compared to the nonmetallic ones and hence are separated. Discuss the role of eddy currents in the process.

Answer 1

When solid waste is allowed to slide over a permanent magnet, an emf is induced in metallic particles. This is because magnetic flux linked with the particles changes in this case. According to Lenz's law this induced emf opposes its cause i.e. downward motion along the inclined plane of the permanent magnet. On the other hand, non-metallic or insulating particles are free from such effects. As a result, the metallic particles slow down and hence get separated from the waste (or non-metallic particles).