# Lenz's Law **The direction of an electric current induced by a changing magnetic field is such that its induced magnetic field opposes changes of the initial magnetic field.** It is a manifestation of the *law of conservation of energy* during the conversion between mechanical and electrical energy. ![[Lenz'sLaw.svg|300]] *Lenz's law; the right-hand rule can be used to identify the induced direction of current with the thumb pointing in the direction of the opposing magnetic field* >[!Example] >In the above diagram, the *downwards* movement of the magnet causes an *increasing downwards* flux through the conductor loop. > >To generate an opposing flux, the electric current induced is in the *counterclockwise* direction. The induced flux is then in the *upwards* direction and *repels* the magnet. The induced flux is directed in the opposite direction of an increasing field and the same direction as a decreasing field. The direction of the current can be determined using the *right-hand rule* for electromagnetic induction according to the opposing flux induced. Lenz's law is included in [[Faraday's law of induction]] in the form of a *negative sign*. ## Violation In the case of the violation of Lenz's law, an external *increasing* flux would induce a current that generates flux in the *same direction*. The source of the external flux will therefore be *attracted* towards the conductor, accelerating it and further increasing the flux. Thus, *electrical and mechanical* energy are both created which is a violation of the law of conservation of energy.