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Electromagnetic induction

Learning goal

An emf is induced only while magnetic flux linkage is changing.

A faster change produces a larger emf. The induced current acts in a direction that opposes the change that produced it.

See the cause

Move a magnet near a conducting coil

Lenz’s law
Pole facing the coil
Motion of the magnet
The meter direction uses the wiring shown; reversing the pole reverses the deflection.Current flows only while the flux linkage changes.
Flux-linkage magnitudepredict first
Induced emfpredict first
Coil’s force on magnetpredict first

Exam bridge: Faraday’s law and Lenz’s law
ε = − d(NΦ) / dtMagnitude comes from the rate of change. The minus sign supplies the opposing direction.

Read the equation as a sentence

  • No change in flux linkage means no induced emf.
  • A faster change, a stronger field or more turns produces a larger emf.
  • The induced current produces its own magnetic effect that opposes the change in flux linkage.

Magnet mode is a qualitative closed-circuit model, so it compares relative emf rather than claiming a voltage for an unspecified magnet. Rotating-coil mode uses a uniform field, A = 0.010 m² and the displayed ideal generator equations.