Chapter Overview: Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic Induction is a fundamental concept in Physics that explains how a changing magnetic field can induce an electric current in a conductor. This chapter explores Faraday's laws, Lenz's law, self and mutual induction, and applications like transformers and AC generators.
Electromagnetic Induction: The phenomenon of generating an electromotive force (emf) or current in a conductor due to a changing magnetic field.
Key Concepts
- Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
- Lenz's Law and Conservation of Energy
- Self-Induction and Mutual Induction
- Eddy Currents and their Applications
- AC Generator and Transformer Principles
Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
Faraday's experiments led to two key laws:
- First Law: An emf is induced in a circuit whenever the magnetic flux linked with the circuit changes.
- Second Law: The magnitude of the induced emf is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux.
Magnetic Flux (Φ): The product of the magnetic field (B) and the area (A) perpendicular to the field, given by Φ = B·A·cosθ.
Lenz's Law
Lenz's law states that the direction of the induced current opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it, in accordance with the law of conservation of energy.
Self and Mutual Induction
Self-induction occurs when a changing current in a coil induces an emf in the same coil. Mutual induction occurs when a changing current in one coil induces an emf in a nearby coil.
Inductance (L): The property of a coil that opposes the change in current flowing through it, measured in Henry (H).
Eddy Currents
Eddy currents are loops of induced current formed in bulk conductors due to changing magnetic flux. They are utilized in applications like electromagnetic braking and induction furnaces.
AC Generator and Transformer
An AC generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using electromagnetic induction. A transformer works on mutual induction to change AC voltage levels efficiently.