Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic Induction

Whenever the number of magnetic lines of force (magnetic flux) passing through a coil changes, an electric current is induced in the coil. This current is called the induced current.

Statement:

When the magnetic flux through a circuit is changing, an induced electromotive force (emf) is set up in the circuit whose magnitude is equal to the negative rate of change of magnetic flux. This is also known as Neumann’s Law.

Mathematical Expression:

If ΔΦ_B​ is the change in magnetic flux in a time interval Δt, then the induced emf e is given by:

e = \[-\frac{\Delta\Phi_B}{\Delta t}\]​​

In the limiting case as Δt → 0:

e = \[-\frac{d\Phi_{B}}{dt}\]​​

• If dΦ_B is in weber (Wb) and dtdtdt in seconds (s), then the emf eee will be in volts (V).
• This equation represents an independent experimental law, which cannot be derived from other experimental laws.

For a tightly-wound coil of N turns, the induced emf becomes:

e = \[-N\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}\] or e = \[-\frac{d(N\Phi_B)}{dt}\]​

Here, NΦ_B is called the ‘number of magnetic flux linkages’ in the coil, and its unit is weber-turns.

Explanation:

Consider a magnet and a coil:

• When the north pole of a magnet is near a coil, a certain number of magnetic flux lines pass through the coil.
• If either the coil or the magnet is moved, the number of magnetic flux lines (i.e., the magnetic flux) through the coil changes.

Cases:

• Magnet moved away from the coil → Decrease in magnetic flux through the coil.
• Magnet brought closer to the coil → Increase in magnetic flux through the coil.

In both cases, an emf is induced in the coil during the motion of the magnet.

• Faster motion → Greater rate of change of flux → Higher induced emf.
• If both the magnet and coil are stationary, or both are moving in the same direction with the same velocity, there is no change in flux → No induced emf.

Special Case:

• If the coil is an open circuit (i.e., infinite resistance), emf is still induced, but no current flows.
• This shows that it is the change in magnetic flux that induces emf, not current.

Conclusion:

Neumann’s Law establishes that a changing magnetic flux through a circuit induces an emf, and the induced emf is proportional to the rate of change of flux, with a negative sign indicating the direction (as per Lenz’s law).

Limitations:

• The law applies to changing magnetic flux; it does not induce emf if the magnetic flux remains constant.
• No emf is induced if the coil and magnet move together at the same velocity or remain stationary.
• In open circuits, emf is induced, but no current is generated.

Statement:

The direction of the induced emf, or the induced current, in any circuit is such as to oppose the cause that produces it. This law is known as Lenz’s Law.

Explanation / Proof:

• When the north pole of a magnet is moved towards the coil, an induced current flows in the coil in such a direction that the near (left) face of the coil behaves like a north pole.
• Due to the repulsion between the like poles, the motion of the magnet towards the coil is opposed.
• When the north pole of the magnet is moved away from the coil, the induced current flows in such a direction that the near face of the coil becomes a south pole.
• The attraction between opposite poles then opposes the motion of the magnet away from the coil.

In both cases, the induced current opposes the magnet's motion, which is the cause of the current. Therefore, work has to be done to move the magnet, and this mechanical work appears as electrical energy in the coil.

Direction of Induced Current (Fleming’s Right-Hand Rule):

• Stretch the right-hand thumb, forefinger, and middle finger so that they are mutually perpendicular.
• The forefinger points in the direction of the magnetic field.
• The thumb points in the direction of motion of the conductor.
• The middle finger then gives the direction of the induced current.

Conclusion:

Lenz’s Law shows that the induced current always acts in such a direction as to oppose the cause that produces it. This ensures that mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy, and no energy is produced without work being done.

Limitations / Note:

• If the induced current were in a direction that did not oppose the motion of the magnet, electrical energy would be obtained continuously without doing any work, which is impossible.
• Hence, Lenz’s Law is consistent with the principle of conservation of energy.