13.1.5

Electromagnetic Induction

Test yourself on Electromagnetic Induction

Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Electromagnetic Induction

A current-carrying wire in a magnetic field may experience a force. In reverse, a potential difference (and hence a current) may be induced in a conductor that experiences a change in magnetic flux.

Slow falling magnet

Slow falling magnet

  • In this demonstration, the magnet falling through the tube takes considerably longer to fall than it would if it were just falling through the air.
Explanation

Explanation

  • The copper tube is not magnetic, but it is a conductor experiencing a change in magnetic flux.
  • A current is induced in the tube (in a circle around the magnet), which in turn causes a magnetic field to act so as to slow the magnet down.
Wire moving in magnetic field

Wire moving in magnetic field

  • As the wire cuts through the magnetic field lines, a p.d. and hence a current is induced in the complete circuit. This is registered as a small flicker on the ammeter.

Faraday and Lenz's Laws

The two main laws about electromagnetic induction are from Faraday and Lenz.

Faraday's law

Faraday's law

  • When the magnetic flux linkage in a circuit changes, an electromotive force (emf) is induced in the circuit.
  • The emf is proportional to the rate of change of the flux linkage. The equation for calculating the emf is:
    • emf = −(number of coils x change in flux linkage) ÷ change in time
    • emf=NΔϕΔtemf=-N\frac{{\Delta\phi}}{{\Delta}t}
Lenz's law

Lenz's law

  • The negative sign at the start of Faraday's law is because of Lenz's law.
  • Lenz's law is that the induced electromotive force will induce a current and a magnetic field which will oppose the change in flux.
Jump to other topics
1

Physical Quantities & Units

2

Kinematics

3

Dynamics

4

Force, Density & Pressure

5

Work, Energy & Power

6

Deformation of Solids

7

Waves

8

Superposition

9

Thermal Physics

10

Communication

11

Electric Fields

12

Current Electricity

13

Magnetic Fields

14

Modern Physics

Practice questions on Electromagnetic Induction

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
Answer all questions on Electromagnetic Induction

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium