Question

Consider a magnet surrounded by a wire with an on/off switch S (Figure). If the switch is thrown from the off position (open circuit) to the on position (closed circuit), will a current flow in the circuit? Explain.

 

Answer 1

Whenever the number of magnetic lines of force (magnetic flux) passing through a circuit changes an emf is produced in the circuit called induced emf. The induced emf persists only as long as there is a change or cutting of flux. The induced emf is given by rate of change of magnetic flux linked with the circuit i.e, `e= (- dphi)/(dt)`. so flux linked will change when either magnetic field, area or the angle between B and A changes.

If the switch is closed, the circuit will complete. But to induce emf in the circuit, we need:

1. A changing magnetic field, but the bar magnet is stationary so it is not possible in this situation.
2. A changing area is also not possible because area is also constant as coil is not expanding or compressed.
3. Angle between B bar and A bar changes, which is also not possible in this situation because orientation of bar magnet and coil is fixed.

Thus, no change in magnetic flux linked with coil occur, hence no electromotive force is induced in the coil and hence no current will flow in the circuit.