When a bar magnet is dropped through a vertical length of copper pipe it falls noticeably more slowly than dropped through a vertical of plastic pipe why?

Answer 1

When a bar magnet is dropped through a copper pipe, it induces an electric current in the copper due to electromagnetic induction. This current creates an opposing magnetic field that interacts with the falling magnet, producing a magnetic force that slows its descent. In contrast, a plastic pipe does not conduct electricity, so no such currents are generated, allowing the magnet to fall freely without any resistance.