In which direction is the force due to eddy currents always directed?

The force due to eddy currents is directed opposite to the movement that induces the current. This phenomenon is a result of Lenz's Law, which states that the direction of an induced current will always be such that it opposes the change causing it. When a conductor or a magnet moves within a magnetic field, the change in magnetic flux creates eddy currents within conductive materials. These currents generate their own magnetic fields, which act to oppose the initial change in magnetic flux.

For instance, if a magnet moves towards a conductive loop, eddy currents induced in the loop will produce a magnetic field that opposes the approach of the magnet, effectively creating a force that resists the motion of the magnet. This opposition to the inducing movement is essential in applications such as electromagnetic braking systems, where the goal is to slow down or stop movement effectively.

Other choices do not align with this principle: the force is not in the same direction as the inducing movement because that would amplify the motion rather than oppose it, it is not perpendicular to the movement, and it does not follow the direction of the magnetic field since it's based on the change in flux rather than the field direction itself.