Undergraduate → Electromagnetism ↓
Electromagnetic induction
Electromagnetic induction is one of the fundamental concepts of electromagnetism in undergraduate physics. It was first discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831. This phenomenon occurs when a change in the magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) and as a result, current is generated in a closed circuit. Electromagnetic induction is the backbone of many technological applications we have today, such as electric generators, transformers, inductors, and many other devices. In this lesson, we will explore the principles, mathematical formulas, and applications of electromagnetic induction in detail.
Fundamentals of electromagnetic induction
Electromagnetic induction is based on the interaction between magnetic fields and conducting materials. To understand this, we must first introduce some basic principles:
Magnetic field
A magnetic field is a field produced by moving electric charges and magnetic dipoles. It exerts a force on other moving charges and magnetic dipoles. The magnetic field is usually represented by the symbol B
and is measured in Tesla (T).
Electromotive force (emf)
Electromotive force (EMF), usually represented by ε
, is the voltage generated by a changing magnetic field. It is not a force in the conventional sense, but rather represents the energy supplied per charge to create an electric current. It is measured in volts.
Faraday's law of induction
Faraday's law states that the induced EMF in a closed circuit is equal to the negative of the time rate of change of magnetic flux through the circuit. Mathematically, Faraday's law can be expressed as:
ε = -dΦ/dt
The negative sign indicates the direction of the induced emf (and current) which opposes the change in magnetic flux, a concept known as Lenz's Law. This principle preserves the conservation of energy and is a direct consequence of the conservation of momentum.
Understanding magnetic flux
Magnetic flux, represented by Φ
, is a measure of the strength and extent of the magnetic field over a particular area. It is given by the following equation:
Φ = B * A * cos(θ)
B
is the magnetic field strength.A
is the region through which the field lines pass.θ
is the angle between the magnetic field and the perpendicular to the areaA
Lenz's law
Lenz's law helps us determine the direction of the induced current. It states that the direction of the induced emf and, hence, the current flowing through it, is such that it opposes the change in the magnetic flux that produces it. This reflects a fundamental principle of nature, which prevents perpetual motion and maintains conservation laws.
Example: Simple coil
Consider a simple coil with N
turns, placed in a time-varying magnetic field. According to Faraday's law, the induced EMF for this coil is:
ε = -N * (dΦ/dt)
Here, N
is the number of turns in the coil.
Visualization of electromagnetic induction
To better understand electromagnetic induction, consider the following example of a coil in a changing magnetic field:
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