Electromagnetic induction

Electromagnetic induction is where a voltage or current is produced in a conductor by a changing magnetic flux. It may happen when a magnet is moved in a solenoid, or when a solenoid is constantly moved in a stationary magnetic field, thus changing the magnetic flux.

Magnetic flux

When a coiled wire is introduced near a magnet, the magnetic lines of force pass through the coil. This causes the magnetic flux to change. Magnetic flux is represented by the symbol $\mathrm{\Phi }$, therefore we can say that $\mathrm{\Phi }$ = BAcos(a) and the resulting unit will be $T{m}^2$, where T is the unit for magnetic field and $m^2$ is the unit for area.

The changing magnetic flux generates an electromotive force (EMF). This force moves free electrons in a certain way, which constitute a current.

Faraday's law

Michael Faraday found that an electromotive force is generated when there is a change in magnetic flux in a conductor.

His laws state that:

$ℰ=\frac{-d\mathrm{\Phi }}{dt}$

where,

$ℰ$ is the electromotive force, measured in volts;

$d\mathrm{\Phi }$ is the change in magnetic flux, measured in webers;

$dt$ is the change in time, measured in seconds.

In the case of a solenoid:

$ℰ=\frac{-Nd\mathrm{\Phi }}{dt}$

where,

N is the number of loops in the solenoid.

Lenz's law

The negative sign in both equation above is a result of Lenz's law, named after Heinrich Lenz. His law states that the electromotive force (EMF) produces a current that opposes the motion of the changing magnetic flux.

Related pages

• Electromagnetism
• Inductor
• Transformer