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A rod of mass $m$, resistance $R$ and length $L$ is sitting at rest on frictionless rails in a magnetic field as shown. At $t = 0$, the switch $S$ is closed and a voltage $V$ applied across the rails. Find the velocity of the rod as a function of time from a combination of Newton's laws, Ohm's law, and Faraday's law. If you are clueless (in spite of this being a homework problem and very similar to a quiz problem) at least tell me what all those laws and the terminal velocity are for most of the credit.


Robert G. Brown 2003-02-09