THEORY
WHAT IS ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION -?
Electromagnetic Induction is a current produced because of
voltage production (electromotive force) due to a changing
magnetic field.
This either happens when a conductor is placed in a moving
magnetic field (when using an AC power source) or when a
conductor is constantly moving in a stationary magnetic field.
Electromagnetic Induction was discovered by Michael
Faraday in 1831, and James Clerk Maxwell mathematically
described it as Faraday’s law of induction.
As per the setup given below, Michael Faraday arranged a conducting wire
attached to a device to measure the voltage across the circuit. When a bar magnet
is moved through the coiling, the voltage detector measures the voltage in the
circuit.
Through his experiment, he discovered that there are certain factors that
influence this voltage production. They are:
1. Number of Coils: The induced voltage is directly proportional to the number
of turns/coils of the wire. Greater the number of turns, greater is voltage
produced
2. Changing Magnetic Field: Changing magnetic field affects the induced
voltage. This can be done by either moving the magnetic field around the
conductor or moving the conductor in the magnetic field.
Applications of Electromagnetic Induction
Based on his experiments we now have Faraday’s law according to
which the amount of voltage induced in a coil is proportional to the number
of turns of the coil and the rate of changing magnetic field.
AC generators work on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
The working of electrical transformers are based on electromagnetic induction.
The magnetic flow meter is based on electromagnetic induction.
Electromagnetic Induction Formula
Mathematically, the induced voltage can be given by the following relation:
e = N × dΦ / dt
Where,
e is the induced voltage (in volts)
N is the number of turns in the coil
Φ is the magnetic flux – the amount of magnetic field at a surface (in
Webbers)
t is the time (in seconds)
Electromagnetic Induction Diagram
A typical diagram illustrating electromagnetic induction consists of a
magnet moving toward a coil of wire. The changing magnetic field induces a
current in the wire, as shown by the direction of the arrows in the diagram.
This current can be used to power various electrical devices.
Explaining Electromagnetic Induction
Let’s break down the process of electromagnetic induction step by
step. Imagine you have a coil of wire, also known as a solenoid, and
you bring a magnet near it. As the magnet moves closer to the coil,
the magnetic field passing through the coil increases. This increase in
magnetic flux induces a current in the wire, generating electricity.
Conversely, when the magnet moves away, the magnetic field
weakens, causing a decrease in magnetic flux and inducing a current
in the opposite direction. This process continues as long as there’s
relative motion between the magnet and the coil or as long as there
are changes in the magnetic field.
To better understand, let’s consider a real-life example. Think about
how a bicycle dynamo works. When you pedal, the wheel’s rotation
moves magnets past wire coils, inducing a current that powers the
bike’s lights.
Types of Electromagnetic Induction
There are different types of electromagnetic induction, each with its unique
characteristics:
1. Self-Induction: This occurs when a changing current in a
conductor induces an EMF in the same conductor.
2. Mutual Induction: Mutual induction happens when the changing
current in one conductor induces an EMF in another nearby
conductor.
3. Eddy Currents: Eddy currents are induced currents that circulate
within a conductor due to changing magnetic fields.
LENZ’S LAW –
Lenz’s law states that,
The induced electromotive force with different polarities induces a
current whose magnetic field opposes the change in magnetic flux
through the loop in order to ensure that the original flux is maintained
through the loop when current flows in it.
Named after Emil Lenz, Lenz’s law depends on the principle of
conservation of energy and Newton’s third law. It is the most
convenient method to determine the direction of the induced current.
It states that the direction of an induced current is always such as to
oppose the change in the circuit or the magnetic field that produces
it.
Lenz’s Law Formula
Lenz’s Law is reflected in the formula of Faraday’s law. Here the negative
sign is contributed by Lenz’s law. The expression is –
e = - N (d Φ /dt)
Lenz’s Law Applications…….
Lenz’s law applications are plenty. Some of them are listed below-
Eddy current balances
Metal detectors
Eddy current dynamometers
Braking systems on train
AC generators
Card readers
Microphones
Lenz’s Law Experiment….
To find the direction of the induced electromotive force and current
we look to Lenz’s law. Lenz proved some experiments in accordance
with his theory.
First Experiment
In the first experiment, he concluded that when the current in the coil
flows in the circuit, the magnetic field lines are produced. As the
current flow through the coil increases, the magnetic flux will
increase. The direction of the flow of induced current would be such
that it opposes the increase in magnetic flux.
Second Experiment
In the second experiment, he concluded that when the current-
carrying coil is wound on an iron rod with its left end behaving as N-
pole and is moved towards coil S, an induced current will be
produced.
Third Experiment
In the third experiment, he concluded that when the coil is pulled
towards the magnetic flux, the coil linked with it decreases, which
means that the area of the coil inside the magnetic field decreases.
According to Lenz’s law, the motion of the coil is opposed when the
induced current is applied in the same direction.
To produce the current, force is exerted by the magnet in the loop. To
oppose the change, the current on the magnet must exert a force on
the magnet.
Application of Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic induction has numerous practical applications :
1. Electric Generators: They convert mechanical energy into
electrical energy using the principle of electromagnetic induction.
2. Transformers: These devices use mutual induction to change the
voltage levels of alternating currents.
3. Induction Cooktops: These use induction heating, a process
based on electromagnetic induction, to heat pots and pans directly.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This medical imaging
technique relies on the principles of electromagnetic induction to
generate detailed images of the body.
5. Wireless Charging: Modern technology uses electromagnetic
induction for wireless charging of devices like smartphones and
electric vehicles.
AC Generator- Working Principle
An AC generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
In electromagnetic induction, an electric current or EMF is induced in
the coil when there is a relative motion between a coil and a magnetic
field.
The magnetic flux associated with an armature changes continually as
it rotates between the poles of the field magnet. As a result, the
armature generates an EMF. As a result, an electric current flows
through the armature and galvanometer, and the slip rings and
brushes note that the galvanometer needle swings between negative
and positive values, indicating that the galvanometer is receiving
alternating current (AC).
ELECTRIC TRANSFORMER– WORKING
PRINCIPLE
The transformer works on the principle of Faraday’s law of
electromagnetic induction and mutual induction.
There are usually two coils – primary coil and secondary coil – on the
transformer core. The core laminations are joined in the form of
strips. The two coils have high mutual inductance. When an
alternating current passes through the primary coil, it creates a
varying magnetic flux. As per Faraday’s law of electromagnetic
induction, this change in magnetic flux induces an EMF
(electromotive force) in the secondary coil, which is linked to the core
having a primary coil. This is mutual induction.
Overall, a transformer carries out the following operations:
1. Transfer of electrical energy from one circuit to another
2. Transfer of electrical power through electromagnetic induction
3. Electric power transfer without any change in frequency
4. Two circuits are linked with mutual induction
CONCLUSION…
Electromagnetic induction has found many applications, including
electrical components such as inductors and transformers, and
devices such as electric motors and generators.
Electromagnetic induction plays a crucial role in modern technology
and is a fundamental concept in physics. We can appreciate its
significance in shaping our world by understanding its principles and
applications.
This article explores the concept of electromagnetic induction along
with its circuit diagram and practical applications of electromagnetic
induction.