5.

Electromagnetic Induction
By the end of this topic, the learner should be able to:
a) Perform and describe simple experiments to illustrate electromagnetic induction.
b) State the factors affecting the magnitude and the direction of induced emf.
c) State the laws of electromagnetic induction.
d) Describe simple experiments to illustrate mutual induction explain mutual
induction.
e) Explain the working of an alternating current (a.c) generator and a direct current
(d.c) generator
f) Explain the working of a transformer
g) Explain the application of electromagnetic induction
h) Solve numerical problems involving transformer

Introduction
Electric current passing through a conductor has an associated magnetic field. The
reverse is also true in that a change in magnetic field induces an electric current in a
conductor a phenomenon known as electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic
induction therefore refers to production of a current due to induced voltage across
the conductor whenever there is changing magnetic field.
This is attributed to Michael Faraday and has led to production of electrical energy in
power station.
[Link] to Show Induced Electromotive Force (Emf)

 The galvanometer deflects when conductor AB cuts the magnetic field.

o There is no flow of current when there is no relative motion between the
conductor and the magnetic field.
o The magnitude of induced current increases with the angle of which
conductor cuts magnetic field. It is maximum when the field and the
conductor are perpendicular to each other and zero when they are
parallel to each other.
o The direction of deflection reverses when the direction of motion is
reversed.
o When the magnetic field is moved while the conductor is stationary, the
same observations are made.
From the above experiment it is clear that whenever there is relative motion between
a magnetic field and a conductor, an induced current caused by induced e.m.f flows
in the conductor.

[Link] a coil

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The pointer of the galvanometer deflects in one direction when the magnet is moved
into the coil and in the opposite direction when the magnet is moved out of the
[Link] same observations are made when the coil is moved while the magnet is
stationary.
No deflection is observed when there is no relative motion between the coil and the
magnetic field.
Factors Affecting Magnitude of Induced E.M.F.
i) The magnitude or strength of magnetic field.
(ii) The rate of change of magnetic flux linkage/rate of relative motion between the
conductor and magnetic [Link] faster the magnet is moved into or out of the
higher the magnitude of induced e.m.f.
(iii) The number of turns of coil.e.m.f is induced in each turn.
(iv) The nature of the core.
(v)The angle between the magnetic field and the conductor.
(vi)The length of the conductor.
These observations are summarized by FARADAY’S LAW of electromagnetic
induction which states that “The magnitude of induced e.m.f. is directly proportional
to the rate of change of magnetic flux linkage.”

Magnetic Flux(Φ )
It is a measure of total magnetic field that passes through a given area. It is the
product of magnetic field strength and perpendicular area covered by the field
[Link]’s SI unit is Weber

To investigate the direction of induced current in a coil.

Lenz’s law – helps to predict the direction of current in a [Link] states that
“The direction of induced e.m.f. is such that the induced current which it causes to
flow produces a magnetic effect that opposes the change producing it.”

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OBSERVATION
It is observed that when the north pole of the magnet is moved towards the coil, the
pointer deflects to the left, showing that the induced current flows in the direction
[Link] the north pole of the magnet is moved away from the coil, the pointer
deflects to the right, showing that the current flows in the direction DABC.
EXPLANATION
As the north pole of the magnet is moved towards the coil,the induced current flows
in the coil forming an electromagnet with a north pole at the end nearest in-coming
[Link] opposes the movement of the magnet.
When the magnet is moved away,the induced current in the coil flows in such a way
that a south pole is formed at the end of the nearest to the receding [Link]
again opposes the movement of the magnet.
CONCLUSION
Lenz’s is an example of principle of conservation of energy. The mechanical
energy of a moving magnet inside a coil is converted to electric energy inform of
induced current. The person pushing the magnet towards the coil must exert force to
do work against repulsion of induced pole of coil magnet in order for induced current
to flow.

Fleming Right Hand Rule (Dynamo Rule)

It helps to predict the direction of induced current in straight conductor. It states
that
“If the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand are held manually at right angle
with first finger pointing direction of magnetic field, the thumb pointing in the
direction of motion then the second finger points in direction of induced current.”

The induced current flows from X to [Link]’s left handrule confirms to be

consistent with Lenz’ law;the current must flow rom X to Y to produce a force to the
left opposing motion to the right.

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 When the wire is moved upwards ,the induced current flows from B to A,fig(b)
and when the wire is moved down wards the current flows from A to B ,fig(c).

Mutual Induction
It occurs when a changing current in one coil induces a current in another coil
placed close into it. The changing magnetic flux in the first coil (Primary coil) links to
second coil (secondary coil) inducing an EMF in it.

EXP:To demonstrate mutual induction

OBSERVATION
When the switch is closed,the pointer deflects in one direction,then comes
back to [Link] the switch is opened, the pointer deflects to the opposite direction
and falls back to [Link] the primary current causes a wider
[Link] primary current decreases the induced e.m.f.
When the d.c is replaced by an a.c source,the pointer vibrate about point zero.
EXPLANATION
When a switch is closed, current in the primary coil increases from zero to a
maximum current within a very short time. The magnetic flux in the primary coil
linking with the secondary coil increases from zero to a maximum value in the same
interval of time inducing an e.m.f. in the secondary coil. Current flows hence the
deflection on the [Link] induced e.m.f in the secondary coil is momentary
because once the current in primary builds up to its maximum value,there is no
further change in magnetic flux in the primary.

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 Likewise when the switch is opened the current in the primary takes a very
short time to fall from maximum value to zero. The magnetic flux in primary coil
linking secondary also falls from maximum value to zero inducing an e.m.f. on the
secondary coil.
The induced e.m.f. in the secondary coil is higher when current in the primary
coil is switched off than when it is switched on because the current in the circuit
takes a much shorter time to die off than build up. When the current in the primary
coil is increased continuously the magnetic flux linking with secondary coil increases
causing an increase in induced [Link] the current in primary coil is
decreased,the induced e.m.f reduces due to decreasing magnetic flux linkage
between primary and secondary coil.
The above explanation is called mutual induction. The induced e.m.f. in the
secondary coil can be increased by:
(i) Having more turns in the secondary coil.
(ii) Winding the primary and secondary coils on a common core.
(iii) Winding both primary and secondary coils on a soft iron ring in order for
the magnetic flux in the primary to form concentric loops within it thus reaching the
secondary point. Soft iron concentrates magnetic flux in both coils that is why it is
used.

The e.m.f is induced in each turn of the secondary coil since magnetic flux from the
primary coil links with each [Link] e.m.f is the sum of e.m.f on each turn.
Applications of Electromagnetic Induction
It is applied in many are as some of these are:

(i) Transformer
A transformer transfers electrical energy form one circuit to another by mutual
induction.
It consists of a primary coil where an alternating current is the input and secondary
coil forming the output. The coils are wound on a common soft iron core.
Types of Transformers
Step down transformers
It has more turns in primary coil (Np) than in the secondary coil (Ns)

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Vs
=n(Turnsratio )
Turns ratio is less than one
Vp

Step up transformers
It has less turns in primary coil and more in the secondary coil.
The turns ratio is greater than one.

NOTE – In a step-down transformer current in the secondary coil is greater than in

the primary coil while in the step-up transformer current in the primary coil is
greater than in the secondary coil.
Useful transformer equations
Secondary voltage No. of secondary turns
=
This is called turns rule.
Primary Voltage No . of primary turns

Mathematically;
(Turns rule)
Vs Ns
=
Assuming negligible resistance, Power = Voltage × current P = VI
Vp Np

Power input = Primary voltage × primary current Pinput = VpIp

Power output = Secondary voltage × Secondary current Poutput =VsIs
Power output
Efficiency ( % ) = ×100
Power input
V sI s
η= ×100
V pV p

For ideal transformer there is no energy lost and therefore efficiency is 100%
V sI s
100= ×100
VpIp = VsIs
V pI p

V sI s
Ip=
Vp
Ip V s N s
= =
Is V p N p
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 EXAMPLE 1
1.A transformer is to be used to provide power of 24V ceiling bulb from a.c. supply of
240. Find the number of turns in secondary coil if the primary coil has 1000 turns.
Vs Ns
=
Vp Np
24 Ns
=
240 1000
24 ×1000
N s=
240
¿ 100

Example 2
2. A power station has an output of 10KW at a p.d of 500v. The voltage is stepped up
to 15KV by transformer T1, for transmission along a grid of resistance 3k and thin
stepped down to p.d 240v by transformer T2 at the end of grid for use in a school.
Given that efficiency of T1 is 95% and T2 90%, find:
(i) The power output of T1
(ii) The current in the grid.
(iii) The power loss in grid.
(iv) The input voltage of T2
(v) The maximum power and current available for use in school
(vi) Why is it necessary to step up the voltage at power station?

3.)Power station has an output of 33KW at a p.d of 5kV a transformer with a primary
coil of 2000 turns is used to step up the voltage of 132 KV for transmission along a
grid. Assuming there is no power loss in the transformer calculate:
(a) Current in the primary coil
(b) Number of turns of secondary coil
(c) Current in the secondary coil.

Energy Losses in a Transformer

There are four main causes of energy losses in a transformer.
1. Flux Leakage
All magnetic flux produced by the primary may not link up with the secondary coil
hence reducing e.m.f induced in secondary. Flux leakage is reduced by efficient
design of transformers to ensure maximum flux linkage.
The secondary coil is wound over the primary coil or coils are wound next to each
other on a common core.

2. Resistance of Coils (Copper Losses)

Heat is generated in the coils when the current flows through [Link] is because
of the resistance of the wire making up the coils. Thick copper wires are used in the

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secondary coils of a step-down transformers and primary coils of step up
transformers to reduce this heating effect due to their low resistance.
3. Eddy Currents in the Core
The alternating magnetic flux in the soft iron core cuts the very soft iron core,
inducing an e.m.f in it which in turn sets up eddy currents to flow in the core. These
eddy currents are sufficiently large to generate [Link] addition they have associated
fluxes that tend to oppose the flux change in primary. This reduces power transfer to
the secondary. To reduce eddy currents the core is laminated (using thin sheets of
insulated soft iron plates) causes minimal heating effect.
4. Hysteresis Loss
It is energy losses in form of heat in magnetizing and demagnetizing the soft iron
core every time the current reverses. It can be minimized by using a core of soft
magnetic material which magnetized and demagnetize easily e.g soft iron.

A transformer used in power stations and along transmission lines generates a lot of
heat. They are therefore cooled by oil which does not easily evaporate. Small
transformers are cooled by use of air. A well-designed transformer can have an
efficiency of up to 99%. However; the presence of air reduces its efficiency.

i) Alternating current generator

It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It has a rectangular curved

permanent magnet pole, two slip rings and carbon (graphite) brushes.
The poles of the magnet are curved so that magnet field is radial. Induced Current
enters and leaves the coil through the brushes which presses against the slip-rings.
The brushes are made of graphite because:
(i) It is a good conductor of electricity-
(ii) It is slippery and therefore can act as a lubricant.
When coil rotates in clockwise direction side AB moves up and CD downwards. The
two sides are cutting the magnetic field perpendicularly and produce maximum
induced e.m.f (E) when the coil is horizontal.
Applying Fleming’s right hand rule, the flow of induced current is in the direction
ABCD.
The current flow through the external circuit via the slip– ring 2 and brush x. Brush Y
and slip-ring 1 complete the circuit. Brush x is thus positive terminal which Y is
negative. When coil rotates from horizontal to vertical position the angle at which the
sides of the coil cuts magnetic field reduces from 900 to 00.
Likewise the induced emf reduces from maximum to zero. When the coil rotates past
the vertical position side AB moves downwards as side CD moves
upwards. The angle θ at which the sides of the coil cuts the magnetic field increases
from 00 to 900 when coil is horizontal. The induced emf increases from zero to
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maximum value and direction of current in the coil reverses from D C B A brush Y
now becomes positive and X negative.
The magnitude of induced e.m.f obeys the sinusoidal equation
E = Eosinθ
Where Eo is maximum e.m.f and θ is the inclination of the coil to the vertical.
The graph below shows the variation of induced emf with time for one revolution of
the coil starting with the coil in vertical position.

Esinθ

0 0 0 0
90 180 270 360

E
By ohms law I =
R
E=EoSinθ
(ii) Direct Current Generator

Direct current (d.c) generator differs from an a.c generator in that it has a
split-ring (commutator) while in ac generator has slip-ring.
If the coil rotates into the vertical position induced current and e.m.f though
resistor R decreases from maximum value to zero. The polarity of brush Y is positive
and X is negative. The brushes touch the gaps within the commutators.
The vertical position ensures that rings exchange brushes since the induced
current change direction but direction of current through the external resistor
remains the same. The polarity does not change and out put of d.c generator is
shown below.

0
90 0 0 0
180 270 360

The induced e.m.f or current of both a.c and d.c generator can be increased
by;
(i) Increasing speed of rotation of coil.

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 (ii) Increasing number of turns of coil.
(iii) Increasing the strength of the magnetic field.
(iv) Winding the coil on a laminated soft iron core.
In a bicycle dynamo the magnet rotates while coil remains stationary. It has
advantages over other generators because there are no brushes which get worn out.

(iv) Moving Coil Microphone

Sound waves from the source set diaphragm in vibration which in turn
causes the coil to move to and fro cutting the magnetic field. Induced e.m.f of varying
magnitude sets up varying current in coil so that coil is perpendicular to it for
maximum flux linkage. An amplifier is used to increase the amplitude of this current
before it is fed into the loudspeaker to be converted back to sound

(v)The Induction Coil

It is used to ignite petrol-air mixture in a car engine.
When the switch is closed the soft iron rod is magnetized due to current on the
primary coil and attracts the soft iron armature.
The armature opens the contact and cuts off primary currents reducing magnetic
field to zero. This turn induces a large emf in the secondary coil by mutual induction.
The spring pulls the armature back to make the contact again and process repeats
itself.
The induced emf in the secondary coil is higher when primary current is switched off
than when it is switched on. This is because current takes a longer time to increase
from zero to maximum than to decrease from maximum to zero.
Sparking occurs at the contact due to magnetic field of the primary. A capacitor is
therefore connected across the contacts to minimize sparking effects by decaying
magnetic flux to zero. Sparks form across gap between the ends of secondary coil
and can be used to ignite petrol-air mixture in a car engine.

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 EXERCISE

1 The circuit below shows a step-down transformer used to light a lamp of resistance 4 Ώ. Calculate.

RL=4Ω

240 V
a.c NP NS v A

NP=800 NS=40

i) The reading of voltmeter, V, with ,S, open. (2mks)

ii) The reading of the ammeter A with S closed (neglect the effective resistance of the secondary
winding) (2mks)
iii) The power dissipated in the lamp. (2mks)
iv) The primary current if the transformer is 90% efficient. (3mks)

2. A hydro-electric power station produces 500KW at a voltage of 10KV. The voltage is then
stepped up to 150KV and the power is transmitted through cables of resistance 200Ώ to a step
down transformer in a sub-station. Assuming that both transformers are 100% efficient. Calculate;

(i) The current produced by the generator (2mks)

(ii) The current that flows through the transmission cables (2mks)
(iii) The voltage drop across the transmission cables (2mks)
(iv) The power loss during transmission (2mks)
(v) The power that reaches the sub-station (2mks)
[Link] any two (2) structural features in a transformer design which help in achieving high
efficiency. (2mk)
[Link] are eddy currents (1mk)
[Link] the reason why soft iron it laminated in transformers. (1mk)
6.A generator produces 150KW at a voltage of 5 kV. The voltage is stepped up to 60kV and
transmitted through cables of resistance 150 to a step – down transformer in a substation. If
both transformers are 80% efficient,Calculate the:-
(i) Current through the transmission cables. (3mks)
(ii) Power lost during transmission. (3mk)

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