Grade 11 → Electricity and Magnetism → Magnetism and Electromagnetism ↓
Inductance and Transformer
Inductance and transformers are fundamental concepts in the study of magnetism and electromagnetism. They form the backbone of many electronic devices and systems, including power grids, motors, inductors, and more. In this lesson, we will explore these concepts in detail using simple language, many examples, and visual illustrations.
Understanding induction
Inductance is a property of an electrical conductor that describes how strongly the conductor opposes a change in current. An inductor is a device, usually made of a coil of wire, that makes use of this property.
The main idea behind induction is Faraday's law of induction, which states that a change in magnetic flux through a circuit induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the circuit. Mathematically, it is expressed as:
EMF = -dΦ/dt
Where:
- EMF is the electromotive force in volts.
- Φ is the magnetic flux in webers (Wb).
- t is the time in seconds.
Self priming
When current flows through a coil, it creates a magnetic field around it. If the current changes, the magnetic field also changes, which induces an EMF within the same coil. This phenomenon is known as self-induction.
The self-induced EMF is given by:
EMF = -L (di/dt)
Where:
- L is the inductance of the coil in henry (H).
- di/dt is the rate of change of current in amperes per second (A/s).
Example of self-motivation
Consider a simple coil with an inductance of 2 Henry. If the current flowing through the coil changes at the rate of 3 amperes per second, the induced EMF in the coil can be calculated as:
EMF = - 2 * 3 = -6 V
This means that an EMF of 6 volts is induced in the direction opposite to the change in current.
Mutual induction
Mutual induction occurs when a change in current in one coil induces an EMF in another nearby coil. This principle is the basis of transformers, where energy is transferred between two or more coils.
The mutual inductance between two coils can be expressed as:
EMF = -M (di/dt)
Where:
- M is the mutual inductance between the coils, measured in henrys (H).
- di/dt is the rate of change of current in the first coil.
In the above illustration, coil 1 carries a varying current which induces an EMF in coil 2 due to their mutual inductance.
Example of mutual induction
Suppose the mutual inductance of the two coils is 0.5 henry, and the current in the first coil changes at the rate of 4 amperes per second. The induced EMF in the second coil will be:
EMF = - 0.5 * 4 = -2 V
This means that an induced EMF of 2 volts is produced across coil 2.
Transformers
A transformer is a device that uses the principles of mutual induction to transfer energy between two circuits. A typical transformer has two coils: primary and secondary coils, which are wrapped around a magnetic core.
Working principle of transformer
When alternating current (AC) flows through the primary coil, it creates a changing magnetic field. This changing magnetic field then induces an electromotive force in the secondary coil according to Faraday's law.
The figure shows a simple transformer with one primary and one secondary coil. The orange line shows the path of the magnetic field.
Transformer equations
The performance of a transformer is described by the relationship between the turns ratio of the primary and secondary coils and the voltage across them. The basic equation is:
Vp/Vs = Np/Ns
Where:
- Vp is the voltage in the primary coil.
- Vs is the voltage in the secondary coil.
- Np is the number of turns in the primary coil.
- Ns is the number of turns in the secondary coil.
The power in the transformer (neglecting losses) is given by:
Vp * Ip = Vs * Is
Where:
- Ip is the current flowing in the primary coil.
- There is current in the secondary coil.
Step-up and step-down transformers
Transformers can be classified into step-up and step-down depending on their turns ratio.
- Step-up transformer: Increases the voltage from primary to secondary. It has fewer turns in the primary coil and more in the secondary (Np < Ns).
- Step-down transformer: Reduces the voltage from primary to secondary. It has more turns in the primary coil and less in the secondary (Np > Ns).
Example of transformer calculation
Let us consider a transformer with a primary coil of 100 turns and a secondary coil of 200 turns. If the primary voltage is 120 volts, what is the secondary voltage?
Vp/Vs = Np/Ns
120/Vs = 100/200
Vs = 240 volts
This simple calculation shows that the transformer increases the voltage from 120 volts to 240 volts.
Applications of induction and transformer
Inductance and transformers are important in modern technology. Some applications include:
- Electrical transmission: Transformers are used to step up and step down voltage in electrical grids, so that electric power can be efficiently transmitted over long distances.
- Electronic devices: Inductors are used in tuning circuits to select desired frequencies, to smooth currents in power supplies, and in filters to block unwanted signals.
- Motors and generators: Induction motors use induction to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Conclusion
Induction and transformers play important roles in the field of electromagnetism, allowing the control and manipulation of electric currents and magnetic fields. Understanding these concepts enriches our knowledge of physics and provides practical tools for a variety of technological applications.