AIIMS 2000 Physics Self-Induced Electromotive Force MCQ Question

In a direct current (d.c.) circuit, the self-induced electromotive force (e.m.f.) occurs due to the change in current. When closing the circuit, the self-induced e.m.f. (denoted as e₁) opposes the increase in current, thus it is less than the source e.m.f. (e₀). Therefore, we have e₁ < e₀. Conversely, when breaking the circuit, the self-induced e.m.f. (denoted as e₂) opposes the decrease in current, which causes it to be greater than the source e.m.f. (e₀), leading to e₂ > e₀. Hence, we can summarize these relationships as follows: e₁ < e₀ < e₂. This matches option C: e₀ < e₁ < e₂. Other options are incorrect because:

• Option A (e₂ > e₀ > e₁) is incorrect because it suggests e₁ is greater than e₀, which contradicts our findings.
• Option B (e₁ < e₀ < e₂) is incorrect as it implies e₁ is less than e₀, which is true, but does not account for the relationship with e₂ correctly.
• Option D (e₁ = e₂ < e₀) is incorrect as it suggests e₁ equals e₂, which is not the case based on the self-induced e.m.f. behavior during closing and breaking the circuit.