Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic induction is the process of
producing an emf (and current, if circuit is closed)
in a conductor whenever the magnetic flux linked
with it changes.
Home-Work
Faraday Law
From the above equation, we can conclude the following
● Increase in the number of turns in the coil increases the
induced emf
● Increasing the magnetic field strength increases the induced
emf
● Increasing the speed of the relative motion between the coil
and the magnet, results in the increased emf
Introduce case of a conductor moving in a magnetic
field.
Task
Homework
Why does the induced emf become zero when the
conductor moves parallel to the magnetic field lines,
even though it is still moving?
Lenz’s Law (statement):
The direction of the induced current (and hence
induced e.m.f.) is such that it always opposes
the change in magnetic flux that produced it.
14.2.2 explain self and
mutual induction with
formula and units
14.3.1 derive the formula E = 1/2LI2
14.3.2 show that the energy is stored in an inductor;
[Link]
What is a DC Generator?
A DC generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy
into DC (direct current) electricity.
Principle
Works on the Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic
Induction: Whenever a conductor cuts magnetic
field lines due to rotation, an emf is induced in it.
2. Construction
Field Magnet Provides a uniform magnetic field
(permanent magnet or electromagnet).
Armature (Coil) : Rectangular coil of insulated
copper wire mounted on a shaft between the
poles of the magnet.
Split-ring Commutator: A metallic ring cut into
two halves, each half connected to one end of the
coil. The commutator rotates with the coil.
Brushes: Two carbon brushes remain pressed
against the split rings. They connect the rotating
coil to the external circuit.
Magnet → provides field
Coil (Armature) → cuts flux, induces emf
Commutator → converts AC in coil to DC in
circuit
Brushes → transfer current to circuit
Link for AC and DC generator working
[Link]
Working (step by step)
● The armature coil is rotated mechanically in the magnetic field by
an external source of energy.
●
As the coil rotates, its sides cut through the magnetic flux, and an
emf is induced in them (Faraday’s law).
●
By Fleming’s right-hand rule, the direction of induced current in
the two sides of the coil is opposite.
●
The commutator reverses the connections of the coil every half
rotation.
●
This ensures that the current in the external circuit always flows in
the same direction (making it DC).
●
The brushes transfer this current to the external load (bulb, motor,
AC Generator
1. Principle
Works on Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction:
Whenever a conductor rotates in a magnetic field, an emf is
induced in it, and if the circuit is closed, current flows.
Since the coil keeps rotating, the induced emf changes
direction every half revolution, producing alternating current
(AC).
2. Construction
Field Magnet A strong permanent
magnet (or electromagnet) that
provides a uniform magnetic field.
Armature (Coil) A rectangular coil of
insulated copper wire placed between
the poles of the magnet.
Slip Rings Two circular metal rings
connected to the ends of the coil. They
rotate along with the coil.
Brushes Two carbon brushes that
rest against the slip rings and connect
the coil to the external load
(resistance, bulb, etc.).
A.C. G E N E S
I = Ic Si n H .
AC generators are preferred because they are simpler,
cheaper, more efficient for power transmission, and easily
convertible, making them ideal for modern power systems.
Feature AC Generator DC Generator
Construction Simple (uses slip rings) Complex (uses commutator)
Maintenance Low High (commutator wears out)
Transmission Efficient over long distance Inefficient
Cost Cheaper More expensive
Conversion flexibility AC → DC is easy DC → AC is complex
What is Back e.m.f.?
When a DC motor runs, its armature rotates in
the magnetic field.
This rotation induces an e.m.f. in the opposite
direction to the applied voltage, according to
Lenz’s law.
This induced voltage is called back e.m.f (ε).
Effects of Back e.m.f. in a Motor
Controls the Current
Without back e.m.f., the motor would draw a very large current from
the supply (limited only by the resistance of the armature).
Back e.m.f. opposes the supply voltage and reduces the effective
voltage across the armature.
Hence, the current in the motor is automatically regulated.
I= V − ε
R
where V = supply voltage, R = armature resistance, ε = back e.m.f.
Adjusts Motor Speed Automatically
● If the load increases → motor slows down → back e.m.f.
decreases → current increases → torque increases to
balance the load.
● If the load decreases → motor speeds up → back e.m.f.
increases → current decreases → torque reduces.
This self-regulation keeps the motor running smoothly.
Self-Regulating
● If load current increases → back motor effect
increases → more mechanical input power is
required.
● If load decreases → back motor effect
decreases → less input power needed.
Transformer
Principle of transformer
● A transformer works on the principle of mutual
induction between two coils:
When an alternating current (AC) flows through
the primary coil, it produces a changing
magnetic flux in the iron core.
This changing flux links with the secondary coil
and induces an e.m.f.
Construction
Core
Made of laminated soft iron sheets to reduce
eddy current losses.
Provides a path for the magnetic flux.
Primary Coil
Connected to the AC supply.
Creates the alternating magnetic flux.
Secondary Coil
Connected to the external load.
An induced e.m.f. is produced here.
Working
AC supply in the primary → produces alternating
magnetic flux in the iron core.
This flux links with the secondary coil.
By Faraday’s law, an emf is induced in the
secondary coil.
Turns ratio decides if it’s step-up or step-down.
4.5.3 Uses of Step-up and Step-down Transformers in Daily
Life
Step-up Transformers:
● In power stations to raise voltage for long-distance transmission.
● In X-ray machines to produce very high voltages.
●
In microwave ovens.
Step-down Transformers:
● To reduce voltage for home use (from 11 kV → 220 V).
● In mobile phone chargers, laptops, and adapters.
●
In welding machines for safety (low-voltage, high-current).
14.5.5 Simple Energy Losses in Transformers
Transformers are not 100% efficient. The main losses are:
1)Eddy current loss:
Alternating flux in the iron core induces circulating currents (eddy currents).
These cause heating and energy loss.
Minimization: Use laminated iron core to restrict the flow of eddy currents.
2)Hysteresis loss:
Due to repeated magnetization and demagnetization of the iron core with each
AC cycle.
Causes heating of the core.
Minimization: Use soft iron (which has low hysteresis loss).