(c) anticlockwise when magnet is above the ring and clockwise when the magnet is below the ring
Explanation:
Magnet above the ring (approaching it)
- Flux change — The north pole of the magnet faces the ring, so magnetic field lines enter the ring downwards. As the magnet falls closer, the downward flux through the ring increases.
- Opposition required — To oppose this increase in downward flux, the ring must create an upward field (its own north pole must face the magnet).
- Current direction — Using the right-hand rule, a coil whose top acts as a north pole carries anticlockwise current when viewed from above.
Result: Anticlockwise current while the magnet is above the ring.
Magnet inside and leaving the ring (moving away below it)
- Flux change — Once the magnet has passed through, the same downward field lines are now moving away, so the downward flux decreases.
- Opposition required — The ring tries to maintain the original flux by producing more downward field—i.e., its top must now behave like a south pole.
- Current direction — A coil whose top is a south pole carries clockwise current when viewed from above.
Result: Clockwise current while the magnet is below the ring.