- A changing current in a coil can induce an emf in the same coil (self-induction).
- The induced emf always opposes the change in current (back emf).
- Self-inductance depends on the coil’s size, number of turns, and the material inside it.
- Using a high-permeability material increases the self-inductance.
- Energy is stored in the magnetic field of the coil, and self-inductance acts like electrical inertia.
Definitions [13]
Definition: Electromagnetic Induction
Whenever there is a change in the number of magnetic field lines linked with a conductor, an electromotive force (e.mf) is developed between the ends of the conductor which lasts as long as there is a change in the number of magnetic field lines through the conductor. This phenomenon is called the electromagnetic induction.
and
Faraday's Definition:
Electromagnetic induction is the phenomenon in which an e.m.f is induced in the coil if there is a change in the magnetic flux linked with the coil.
Definition: Faraday's Law of 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.
Define the right-hand thumb rule.
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.
Define Mutual Inductance.
The mutual inductance M of two circuits (or coils) is the magnetic flux (Φs) linked with the secondary circuit per unit current (IP) of the primary circuit.
Define self-inductance.
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.
Define the coefficient of self-induction.
It is defined as magnetic flux linked with the solenoid when unit current flows through it.
Definition: A.C. Generator
An a.c. generator is a device which converts the mechanical energy into the electrical energy using the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Definition: Mutual Inductance
The constant of proportionality between the flux linkage of one coil and the current in another coil is called Mutual Inductance.
Definition: Self-Induction
The phenomenon in which an emf is induced in a coil due to a change of current in the same coil is called Self-Induction.
OR
The constant of proportionality between flux linkage and current in the same coil is called Self-Inductance (L).
Definition: Inductance
The constant of proportionality between flux linkage and current is called Inductance.
That is, NΦB ∝ I
- It is a scalar quantity'
- Dimensions = [M L2 T–2 A–2]
Definition: Motional EMF
The emf induced in a conductor due to its motion in a magnetic field is called Motional Electromotive Force (Motional EMF).
Definition: Magnetic Flux
Magnetic flux is the dot product of magnetic field and area vector.
ΦB = B ⋅ A = B A cos θ
Definition: AC Generator
A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Formulae [6]
Formula: Lorentz Force
F = q(E + v × B)
For stationary conductor (v = 0):
F = qE
Formula: Motional EMF
ε = Blv
Where:
- B = magnetic field
- l = length of conductor
- v = velocity of conductor
Formula: Mutual Inductance
N1Φ1 = M12I2
N2Φ2 = M21I1
Two Long Co-axial Solenoids:
M = μ0n1n2πr12l
Formula: Magnetic Flux
ΦB = ∑Bi ⋅ dAi
or
ΦB = ∫B ⋅ dA
Formula: Self-Inductance
Self-Inductance Relation:
NΦB = LI
Self-Induced EMF:
\[\varepsilon=-L\frac{dI}{dt}\]
Self-Inductance of a Long Solenoid:
L = μ0n2Al
Formula: Energy Stored in an Inductor
W = \[\frac {1}{2}\]LI2
Theorems and Laws [4]
State Lenz’s Law.
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 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 = Bi x, vertically upward.
F2 on conductor MS ∴ F2 = Bi x, vertically downward.
F3 on conductor SP ∴ F3 = Bi L towards left.
F1 & F2 are equal and opposite and also on the same lines. They will cancel each other; F3 is a resultant force. The external agent has to do work against this force.
∴ F3 = −Bi l ...(−ve sign indicates that force is opposite to dx.)
If dx is the displacement in time dt, then the work done (dw) = F3 dx.
∴ dw = − BiL dx
This power is an electrical energy ‘ei’ where ‘e’ is an induced e.m.f.
∴ ei = `-(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
ΦB = Magnetic flux
The negative sign indicates opposition to the change in flux.
Law: Faraday's First Law or Neumann’s law
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 ΔΦB 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 dΦB 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, NΦB 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.
Law: Faraday's Second Law or 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.
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.
Two circular loops, one of small radius r and the other of larger radius R, such that R >> r, are placed coaxially with centres coinciding. Obtain the mutual inductance of the arrangement.

Let a current IP flow through the circular loop of radius R. The magnetic induction at the centre of the loop is
BP = `(mu_0I_P)/(2R)`
As, r << R, the magnetic induction BP 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, ΦS = MIP
∴ M = `Phi_S/I_P = (mu_0pir^2)/(2R)`
Key Points
Key Points: Electromagnetic Induction
- Moving electric charges produce magnetic fields, showing that electricity and magnetism are related.
- A changing magnetic field can produce an electric current in a closed coil.
- This process is called electromagnetic induction.
- Electromagnetic induction is the working principle of generators and transformers.
Key Points: Mutual Inductance
- Current in one coil produces a magnetic flux that links a nearby coil.
- Mutual inductance depends on the number of turns, size, length, separation, and orientation of the coils.
- For long co-axial solenoids, the magnetic field inside is considered uniform and edge effects are neglected.
- The mutual inductance between two coils is the same in both directions.
- A changing current in one coil induces emf in the other coil, and the induced emf increases with faster change of current.
Key Points: Self-Inductance
Key Points: AC Generator
Important Questions [61]
- A circular coil of cross-sectional area 200 cm^2 and 20 turns is rotated about the vertical diameter with angular speed of 50 rad s^−1 in a uniform magnetic field of magnitude 3.0 × 10^−2T. Calculate the maximum value of the current in the coil.
- A horizontal straight wire 10 m long extending from east to west is falling with a speed of 5.0 m s−1, at right angles to the horizontal component of the earth’s magnetic field, 0.30 × 10−4 Wb m−2.
- A Light Metal Disc on the Top of an Electromagnet is Thrown up as the Current is Switched On. Why? Give Reason.
- Welders Wear Special Goggles Or Face Masks with Glass Windows to Protect Their Eyes from Electromagnetic Radiations. Name the Radiations and Write the Range of Their Frequency.
- When a Bar Magnet is Pushed Towards (Or Away) from the Coil Connected to a Galvanometer, the Pointer in the Galvanometer Deflects. Identify the Phenomenon Causing this Deflection and Write the Factors on Which the Amount and Direction of the Deflection Depends. State the Laws Describing this Phenomenon.
- Show Diagrammatically How an Alternating Emf is Generated by a Loop of Wire Rotating in a Magnetic Field. Write the Expression for the Instantaneous Value of the Emf Induced in the Rotating Loop.
- When Puja, a Student of 10th Class, Watched Her Mother Washing Clothes in the Open, She Observed Coloured Soap Bubbles and Was Curious to Know Why the Soap Bubbles Appear Coloured.
- Welders wear special glass goggles while working. Why? Explain.
- State the Principle and Working of a Dynamo.
- Plot a Graph Showing the Variation of Magnetic Flux and Induced Emf as a Function of Time.
- The Current Flowing Through an Inductor of Self Inductance L is Continuously Increasing. Plot a Graph Showing the Variation of Magnetic Flux Versus the Current
- Draw a Schematic Sketch of an Ac Generator Describing Its Basic Elements. State Briefly Its Working Principle.
- A pair of adjacent coils has a mutual inductance of 1.5 H. If the current in one coil changes from 0 to 20 A in 0.5 s, what is the change of flux linkage with the other coil?
- Figure Shows a Rectangular Loop Conducting Pqrs in Which the Arm Pq is Free to Move. a Uniform Magnetic Field Acts in the Direction Perpendicular to the Plane of the Loop.
- How Does the Mutual Inductance of a Pair of Coils Change When (I) Distance Between the Coils is Increased and (Ii) Number of Turns in the Coils is Increased?
- When a conducting loop of resistance 10 Ω and area 10 cm2 is removed from an external magnetic field acting normally, the variation of induced current-I in the loop with time t is as
- State Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction.
- State Lenz’s Law.
- What is the Direction of Induced Currents in Metal Rings 1 and 2 When Current I in the Wire is Increasing Steadily?
- Describe a Simple Experiment (Or Activity) to Show that the Polarity of Emf Induced in a Coil
- A Bar Magnet is Moved in the Direction Indicated by the Arrow Between Two Coils Pq and Cd. Predict the Directions of Induced Current in Each Coil.
- Explain, with the Help of a Suitable Example, How We Can Show that Lenz'S Law is a Consequence of the Principle of Conservation of Energy.
- Show that Lenz'S Law is a Consequence of Conservation of Energy.
- Predict the Direction of Induced Current in Metal Rings 1 and 2 When Current I in the Wire is Steadily Decreasing?
- Predict the Directions of Induced Currents in Metal Rings 1 and 2 Lying in the Same Plane Where Current I in the Wire is Increasing Steadily.
- Predict the Direction of Induced Current in a Metal Ring When the Ring is Moved Towards a Straight Conductor with Constant Speed V. the Conductor is Carrying Current I in the Direction Shown
- State Lenz'S Law. Illustrate, by Giving an Example, How this Law Helps in Predicting the Direction of the Current in a Loop in the Presence of a Changing Magnetic Flux.
- Plot a Graph Showing the Variation Of Magnetic Potential Energy Stored Versus the Current.
- A long solenoid with 15 turns per cm has a small loop of area 2.0 cm2 placed inside the solenoid normal to its axis. If the current carried by the solenoid changes steadily from 2.0 A to 4.0 A
- Draw a Necessary Arrangement for Winding of Primary and Secondary Coils in a Step-up Transformer
- Consider Two Concentric Circular Coils, One of Radius R1 and the Other of Radius R2 (R1 < R2) Placed Coaxially with Centres Coinciding with Each Other. Obtain the Expression for the Mutual Inductance of the Arrangement.
- Explain the Meaning of the Term Mutual Inductance.
- Define mutual inductance.
- Find Out the Expression for the Emf Induced in the Coil C1 Due to a Change in the Current Through the Coil C2.
- Write the S.I. unit of mutual inductance.
- Define Mutual Inductance.
- Calculate the self-inductance of a coil using the following data obtained when an AC source of frequency (200π) Hz and a DC source are applied across the coil.
- In a Given Coil of Self-inductance of 5 Mh, Current Changes from 4 a to 1 a in 30 ms. Calculate the Emf Induced in the Coil.
- Define the coefficient of self-induction.
- A Plot of Magnetic Flux (φ) Versus Current (I) is Shown in the Figure for Two Inductors a and β. Which of the Two Has Larger Value of Self Inductance?
- Define Self Inductance. Write Its S.I. Units.
- Derive an Expression for Self Inductance of a Long Solenoid of Length L, Cross-sectional Area a Having N Number of Turns.
- When an Inductor is Connected to a 200 V Dc Voltage, a Current at 1a Flows Through It. When the Same Inductor is Connected to a 200 V, 50 Hz Ac Source, Only 0.5 a Current Flows. Explain, Why?
- A Toroidal Solenoid with Air Core Has an Average Radius of 15 Cm, Area of Cross-section 12 Cm2 And Has 1200 Turns. Calculate the Self-inductance of the Toroid.
- The Currents Flowing in the Two Coils of Self-inductance L1 = 16 Mh and L2 = 12 Mh Are Increasing at the Same Rate. If the Power Supplied to the Two Coil is Equal, Find the Ratio of Induced Voltages ?
- The Currents Flowing in the Two Coils of Self-inductance L1 = 16 Mh and L2 = 12 Mh Are Increasing at the Same Rate. If the Power Supplied to the Two Coil is Equal, Find the Ratio of the Currents ?
- The Currents Flowing in the Two Coils of Self-inductance L1 = 16 Mh and L2 = 12 Mh Are Increasing at the Same Rate. If the Power Supplied to the Two Coil is Equal, Find the Ratio of the Energies Store
- A current of 1A flows through a coil when it is connected across a DC battery of 100V. If the DC battery is replaced by an AC source of 100 V and angular frequency of 100 rad s-1, the current reduces
- Define Self-inductance of a Coil. Show that Magnetic Energy Required to Build up the Current I in a Coil of Self Inductance L is Given by 1 2 L I 2
- Define Self-inductance. Write Its Si Units.
- Derive the expression for the self-inductance of a long solenoid of cross sectional area A and length l, having n turns per unit length.
- Explain the construction and working of an electric generator (AC) with the help of a neat diagram.
- How Are Eddy Currents Produced ?
- What are eddy currents?
- How Are Eddy Currents Generated in a Conductor Which is Subjected to a Magnetic Field?
- Write Two Examples of Their Useful Applications
- Give One Example of Use of Eddy Currents.
- How Can the Disadvantages of Eddy Currents Be Minimized?
- State Any Two Causes of Energy Loss in Actual Transformers.
- Describe Briefly Three Main Useful Application of Eddy Currents ?
- Two Spherical Bobs, One Metallic and the Other of Glass, of the Same Size Are Allowed to Fall Freely from the Same Height Above the Ground. Which of the Two Would Reach Earlier and Why?
Concepts [13]
- Electromagnetic Induction
- The Experiments of Faraday and Henry
- Magnetic Flux
- Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
- Lenz’s Law and Conservation of Energy
- Motional Electromotive Force (e.m.f.)
- Mutual Inductance
- Self Inductance
- A.C. Generator
- Energy Consideration: a Quantitative Study
- Eddy Currents or Foucault Currents
- Induced Current and Induced Charge
- Overview - Electromagnetic Induction
