Lenz's law
What Lenz's law means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Lenz's law
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Lenz's law in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The induced current flows in a direction that opposes the change in flux linkage that produced it.
The induced e.m.f. drives a current whose magnetic effect opposes the change producing it.
Topics that use Lenz's law
- Electromagnetic induction (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Electromagnetism (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Faraday's law
- Angular frequency
- Changing flux linkage
- Flux linkage
- Lenz's law and opposition to change
- Magnetic flux
- Practical observation of induced e.m.f. and current
- Rate of change of flux linkage
Using Lenz's law in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge