Revision: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents >> Electromagnetic Induction Physics Science (English Medium) Class 12 CBSE

Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electromotive force across an electrical conductor in a changing magnetic flux or magnetic field.

The total number of magnetic field lines passing perpendicularly through a given surface area.

The magnetic flux linked with any surface is equal to the total number of magnetic lines of force passing normally through it.

Or

Magnetic Flux (Φ_B​) is defined as the total number of magnetic field lines passing normally through a given surface area placed in a magnetic field.

If the current-carrying conductor is held in the right hand such that the thumb points in the direction of the current, then the direction of the curl of the fingers will give the direction of the magnetic field.

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.

The direction of the induced EMF (and hence the induced current) in a closed conducting loop is always such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it.

The emf induced across the ends of a conductor due to its motion in a magnetic field is called motional emf.

Inductance is the ratio of total magnetic flux linkage to the current producing it.

For a closely wound coil of N turns, the total magnetic flux associated with the coil is called the flux linkage.

The mutual inductance (M) of two circuits (or coils) is the magnetic flux (Φ_s) linked with the secondary circuit per unit current (I_P) of the primary circuit.

The property of two coils by which a change in current in one coil induces an emf in the other coil — equal to the magnetic flux linked with one circuit per unit current in the other, or the value of induced emf produced in the secondary circuit per unit rate of change in current in the primary circuit — is called mutual inductance.

OR

Mutual Inductance (M) of a pair of coils is defined as the ratio of the total magnetic flux linkage in the secondary coil to the current in the primary coil that produces it.

The coefficient of coupling K between two coils is the fraction of the total magnetic flux produced by one coil that links with the other coil.

It is defined as magnetic flux linked with the solenoid when unit current flows through it.

The self-inductance of a circuit is the ratio of magnetic flux (produced due to current in the circuit) linked with the circuit to the current flowing in it. 

The property of a coil by which it opposes the change in its own current and induces an emf in itself — numerically equal to the ratio of magnetic flux (produced due to current in the circuit) linked with the circuit to the current flowing in it, or the ratio of induced emf produced around the circuit to the rate of change of current in it — is called self-inductance.

OR

The self-inductance (L) of a coil is defined as the ratio of the total magnetic flux linkage through the coil to the current flowing in it. Equivalently, it equals the magnitude of the induced EMF per unit rate of change of current.

An a.c. generator is a device which converts the mechanical energy into the electrical energy using the principle of electromagnetic induction.

Φ_B​ = \[\vec B\] ⋅ \[\vec A\] = B A cos θ

\[\Phi_B=\vec{B}\cdot\vec{A}=BA\cos\theta\]

For a non-uniform field or a curved surface, flux is calculated by summing contributions over infinitesimally small area elements \[d\vec{A}\]:

\[\Phi_B=\int\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{A}\]

For a coil of N turns, each contributing equally:

Φ = N B A cos θ (flux linkage)

The mathematical form of Faraday's law with Lenz's law incorporated is

\[\varepsilon=-N\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}\]

e = Blv

• B = magnetic field
• l = length of conductor
• v = velocity

M = K\[\sqrt {L_1L_2}\]

Where:

• L₁, L₂​ = Self-inductances of coil 1 and coil 2
• K = Coefficient of coupling (dimensionless, no units)
• Range: 0 ≤ K ≤ 1

Therefore:

M ≤ \[\sqrt {L_1​L_2}\]​​

N₂​ϕ₂₁ ​∝ I_1​ ⟹ N_2​ϕ_21​ = M ⋅ I₁

Therefore:

L = \[\frac{N\Phi_B}{I}\]

ε = -L\[\frac{dI}{dt}\]

Where:

Faraday's First Law

Whenever the magnetic flux linked with a circuit changes, an EMF is induced in the circuit. The induced EMF lasts only as long as the change in flux is taking place.

Faraday's Second Law

The magnitude of the induced EMF in a circuit is directly proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux through the surface enclosed by that circuit.

First law: Whenever there is a change of magnetic flux in a closed circuit, an induced emf is produced in the circuit. This law is a qualitative law as it only indicates the characteristics of induced emf.

Second law: The magnitude of the induced emf produced in the circuit is directly proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux linked with the circuit. This law is known as the quantitative law, as it gives the magnitude of the induced emf.

Faraday’s First Law: Whenever the magnetic flux linked with a circuit changes, an emf is induced in the circuit.

Faraday’s Second Law: The magnitude of the induced emf is equal to the rate of change of magnetic flux.

e = `-(d phi)/dt`

For a coil of N turns:

e = `-N (d phi)/dt`

Negative sign indicates Lenz’s law (direction opposes cause).

It is stated that the direction of induced e.m.f. is always in such a direction that it opposes the change in magnetic flux.

e = `(d phi)/(dt)`

Consider a rectangular metal coil PQRS. Let ‘L’ be the length of the coil. It is placed in a partly magnetic field ‘B’. The direction of the magnetic field is perpendicular to the paper and into the paper. The ‘x’ part of the coil is in the magnetic field at instant t. If the coil is moved towards the right with a velocity v = `dx/dt` with the help of an external agent, such as a hand. The magnetic flux through the coil is:

Φ = BA = BLx

∴ Φ = BLx     ...(1)

There is relative motion of a current through the coil. Let ‘i’ be current through the coil.

Three forces act on the coil.

F₁ on conductor PL ∴ F₁ = B_i x, vertically upward.

F₂ on conductor MS ∴ F₂ = B_i x, vertically downward.

F₃ on conductor SP ∴ F₃ = B_i L towards left.

F₁ and F₂ are equal and opposite and also on the same line. They will cancel each other; F₃ is a resultant force. The external agent has to do work against this force.

∴ F₃ = −B_i l    ...(−ve sign indicates that force is opposite to dx.)

If dx is the displacement in time dt, then the work done (d_w) = F₃ dx.

∴ d_w = − B_iL dx

This power is an electrical energy ‘ei’ where ‘e’ is an induced e.m.f.

∴ e_i = `-(B_i ldx)/(dt)`

∴ e = `-(BLdx)/(dt)`

∴ e = −BLv

∴ e = `-d/dt (BLx)`

∴ e = `(-d phi)/(dt)`    ...[from eq (1)]

Lenz’s Law states that the direction of the induced electromotive force (EMF) and the resulting current in a conductor is always such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that caused it. 

Mathematically, Lenz’s Law is expressed as:

ε = `(-d phi_B)/dt`

Where,

ε = Induced EMF

Φ_B = Magnetic flux

The negative sign indicates opposition to the change in flux.

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).

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.

Statement

The induced EMF in a closed loop has a direction such that the current it drives would create a magnetic flux to oppose the change in flux through the circuit.

Mathematically, this is captured by the negative sign:

Proof (Lenz's Law as Conservation of Energy)

Claim: Lenz's law is a necessary consequence of the Law of Conservation of Energy.

Proof by contradiction:

Suppose, contrary to Lenz's law, the induced current aided the change in flux instead of opposing it.

• When the N-pole of a magnet approaches a coil, the induced current (if aiding) would create a South pole on the near face of the coil
• This South pole would attract the incoming North pole of the magnet
• The magnet would accelerate towards the coil without any external effort
• The accelerating magnet would induce more current, which would attract the magnet even more strongly
• This would result in continuously increasing kinetic energy and electrical energy, generated from nothing
• This is a perpetual motion machine — a direct violation of the Law of Conservation of Energy

Since this is impossible, the induced current must oppose the flux change — Lenz's law is proved.

Conclusion

• Lenz's law is not an arbitrary rule — it is mandated by energy conservation
• The work done by the external agent (to overcome the opposing electromagnetic force) is the source of all electrical energy generated
• Without Lenz's law, electromagnetic induction would violate the most fundamental law of physics

Statement: The mutual inductance of coil 1 with respect to coil 2 equals the mutual inductance of coil 2 with respect to coil 1.

This is called the Reciprocity Theorem of Mutual Inductance.

Implication: It does not matter which coil drives the current — the mutual inductance M between the pair is always the same property of the system, not just one coil.youtube

Let a current I_P flow through the circular loop of radius R. The magnetic induction at the centre of the loop is

B_P = `(mu_0I_P)/(2R)`

As, r << R, the magnetic induction B_P may be considered to be constant over the entire cross-sectional area of the inner loop of radius r. Hence magnetic flux linked with the smaller loop will be

`Φ_S = B_PA_S = (mu_0I_P)/(2R)pir^2`

Also, Φ_S = MI_P

∴ M = `Phi_S/I_P = (mu_0pir^2)/(2R)`

• Electromagnetic induction requires a changing magnetic flux — a static field produces no induction
• The faster the change in flux, the greater the induced EMF (Faraday's Second Law)
• The induced EMF exists only during the change; it ceases when the flux becomes constant
• Both the motion of a conductor in a magnetic field and the change of current in a nearby circuit can cause induction
• The direction of the induced current can be found using Fleming's Right-Hand Rule or Lenz's Law

• Current is induced in a coil either by flux from a neighbouring coil or by the coil's own changing flux.
• For a closely wound coil, flux linkage = NΦ_B.
• Inductance L is the constant of proportionality: NΦ_B = LI.
• L depends only on coil geometry and material properties — not on current.
• Like capacitance, inductance is a scalar with SI unit henry (H) and dimensional formula [ML²T⁻²A⁻²].