For a long time, electricity and magnetism were treated as separate, unrelated phenomena. In the early 19th century, Oersted and Ampere established that moving electric charges produce magnetic fields. This discovery led to the natural converse question: Can moving magnets or changing magnetic fields produce electric currents? The discovery of electromagnetic induction by Michael Faraday and Joseph Henry around 1830 proved conclusively that electric currents are indeed induced in closed coils when subjected to changing magnetic fields.
Historical Chronicle: Joseph Henry (1797–1878)
The discovery of electromagnetic induction was based on three seminal experiments:
To mathematically formulate these experimental observations, Faraday introduced the concept of magnetic flux , which is defined analogously to electric flux.
For a plane area $A$ placed in a uniform magnetic field $\mathbf{B}$, the magnetic flux $\Phi_B$ is defined as:
$$\Phi_B = \mathbf{B} \cdot \mathbf{A} = BA \cos \theta$$
where $\theta$ is the angle between the magnetic field vector $\mathbf{B}$ and the area vector $\mathbf{A}$. For non-uniform fields or curved surfaces, the flux is summed over all infinitesimal area elements $d\mathbf{A}_i$:
$$\Phi_B = \sum_{\text{all}} \mathbf{B}_i \cdot d\mathbf{A}_i$$
Faraday's law states that:
The magnitude of the induced electromotive force (emf) in a circuit is equal to the time rate of change of magnetic flux through the circuit.
$$\epsilon = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}$$
For a closely wound coil consisting of $N$ turns, the total induced emf is given by:
$$\epsilon = -N \frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}$$
The negative sign indicates the direction of the induced emf (and current), which is determined by Lenz's Law.
Historical Chronicle: Michael Faraday (1791–1867)
| Structural Concept / Function Type | Exact Mathematical Domain / Sign Properties | Active Operation Formulas / Identities | Systemic Role & Evaluation Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varying Magnetic Field ($B$) | Time-dependent field $B(t)$ | $$\epsilon = -A \cos \theta \frac{dB}{dt}$$ | Used in stationary coils with moving magnets or changing primary currents (e.g., transformers). |
| Varying Area ($A$) | Time-dependent area $A(t)$ | $$\epsilon = -B \cos \theta \frac{dA}{dt}$$ | Motional emf where loop boundaries expand, contract, or slide through a uniform field. |
| Varying Orientation ($\theta$) | Rotational motion $\theta = \omega t$ | $$\epsilon = NBA\omega \sin(\omega t)$$ | Fundamental operating mechanism of AC generators and alternators. |
Mathematical Problem Statement (Example 6.2): A square loop of side 10 cm and resistance 0.5 Ω is placed vertically in the east-west plane. A uniform magnetic field of 0.10 T is set up across the plane in the north-east direction. The magnetic field is decreased to zero in 0.70 s at a steady rate. Determine the magnitudes of induced emf and current during this time-interval.
Step-by-Step Algorithmic Solution Trace:
- Calculate the area of the square loop: $A = (0.10\text{ m})^2 = 10^{-2}\text{ m}^2$.
- Identify the angle $\theta$ between the area vector (pointing North or South) and the magnetic field (pointing North-East): $\theta = 45^\circ$.
- Calculate the initial magnetic flux $\Phi_{B\text{ (initial)}}$: $$\Phi_{B\text{ (initial)}} = BA \cos \theta = 0.10 \times 10^{-2} \times \cos 45^\circ = \frac{10^{-3}}{\sqrt{2}}\text{ Wb} \approx 0.707 \times 10^{-3}\text{ Wb}$$
- The final flux is $\Phi_{B\text{ (final)}} = 0$.
- Calculate the magnitude of the induced emf using Faraday's Law: $$\epsilon = \frac{|\Delta \Phi_B|}{\Delta t} = \frac{0.707 \times 10^{-3}\text{ Wb}}{0.70\text{ s}} \approx 1.0 \times 10^{-3}\text{ V} = 1.0\text{ mV}$$
- Calculate the induced current using Ohm's Law: $$I = \frac{\epsilon}{R} = \frac{1.0 \times 10^{-3}\text{ V}}{0.5\ \Omega} = 2.0 \times 10^{-3}\text{ A} = 2.0\text{ mA}$$
Final Evaluation Output: Induced emf = 1.0 mV , Induced current = 2.0 mA
Mathematical Problem Statement (Example 6.3): A circular coil of radius 10 cm , 500 turns and resistance 2 Ω is placed with its plane perpendicular to the horizontal component of the earth's magnetic field. It is rotated about its vertical diameter through $180^\circ$ in 0.25 s . Estimate the magnitudes of the emf and current induced in the coil. Horizontal component of the earth's magnetic field at the place is $3.0 \times 10^{-5}\text{ T}$.
Step-by-Step Algorithmic Solution Trace:
- Calculate the area of the circular coil: $A = \pi r^2 = \pi \times (0.1\text{ m})^2 = \pi \times 10^{-2}\text{ m}^2$.
- Calculate the initial flux: $\Phi_{B\text{ (initial)}} = BA \cos 0^\circ = 3.0 \times 10^{-5} \times \pi \times 10^{-2} = 3\pi \times 10^{-7}\text{ Wb}$.
- Calculate the final flux after $180^\circ$ rotation: $\Phi_{B\text{ (final)}} = BA \cos 180^\circ = -3\pi \times 10^{-7}\text{ Wb}$.
- Calculate the change in flux: $\Delta \Phi_B = \Phi_{B\text{ (final)}} - \Phi_{B\text{ (initial)}} = -6\pi \times 10^{-7}\text{ Wb}$.
- Calculate the induced emf for $N = 500$ turns: $$\epsilon = N \frac{|\Delta \Phi_B|}{\Delta t} = 500 \times \frac{6\pi \times 10^{-7}}{0.25} = 2000 \times 6\pi \times 10^{-7} \approx 3.8 \times 10^{-3}\text{ V}$$
- Calculate the induced current: $$I = \frac{\epsilon}{R} = \frac{3.8 \times 10^{-3}\text{ V}}{2\ \Omega} = 1.9 \times 10^{-3}\text{ A}$$
Final Evaluation Output: Induced emf = 3.8 mV , Induced current = 1.9 mA
In 1834, German physicist Heinrich Friedrich Lenz formulated a rule to determine the polarity of the induced emf.
The polarity of the induced emf is such that it tends to produce a current which opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it.
This law explains the negative sign in Faraday's equation: $\epsilon = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}$.
Lenz's law is a direct consequence of the law of conservation of energy:
When a conducting rod moves through a stationary magnetic field, an emf is induced across its ends. This is known as motional emf .
Consider a rectangular conductor $PQRS$ in a uniform magnetic field $\mathbf{B}$ perpendicular to the plane of the system. Let the arm $PQ$ of length $l$ slide to the left with velocity $v$.
The same expression can be derived by considering the Lorentz force acting on the free charge carriers (charge $q$) inside the moving conductor $PQ$:
Mathematical Problem Statement (Example 6.6): A metallic rod of 1 m length is rotated with a frequency of 50 rev/s , with one end hinged at the centre and the other end at the circumference of a circular metallic ring of radius 1 m , about an axis passing through the centre and perpendicular to the plane of the ring. A constant and uniform magnetic field of 1 T parallel to the axis is present everywhere. What is the emf between the centre and the metallic ring?
Step-by-Step Algorithmic Solution Trace:
- Identify the given parameters: length $R = 1\text{ m}$, frequency $\nu = 50\text{ Hz}$, magnetic field $B = 1\text{ T}$.
- Calculate the angular velocity $\omega$: $$\omega = 2\pi \nu = 2\pi \times 50 = 100\pi\text{ rad/s}$$
- The linear velocity of an infinitesimal element $dr$ at distance $r$ from the center is $v = \omega r$.
- Integrate the motional emf $d\epsilon = Bv\,dr$ from $r = 0$ to $r = R$: $$\epsilon = \int_0^R B(\omega r)\,dr = B\omega \left[ \frac{r^2}{2} \right]_0^R = \frac{1}{2} B\omega R^2$$
- Substitute the values: $$\epsilon = \frac{1}{2} \times 1\text{ T} \times 100\pi\text{ rad/s} \times (1\text{ m})^2 = 50\pi\text{ V} \approx 50 \times 3.14 = 157\text{ V}$$
Final Evaluation Output: Induced emf = 157 V
An electric current can be induced in a coil by a changing magnetic flux. This flux change can be caused by a changing current in a neighboring coil ( mutual induction ) or by a changing current in the same coil ( self-induction ).
When two coils are placed close to each other, the magnetic flux linked with coil 1 ($\Phi_1$) is proportional to the current in coil 2 ($I_2$):
$$N_1\Phi_1 = M_{12} I_2$$
where $M_{12}$ is the mutual inductance of coil 1 with respect to coil 2. By reciprocity, $M_{12} = M_{21} = M$.
For two long coaxial solenoids of length $l$, inner radius $r_1$, and turn densities $n_1, n_2$:
$$M = \mu_0 n_1 n_2 \pi r_1^2 l$$
The induced emf in coil 1 due to a changing current in coil 2 is:
$$\epsilon_1 = -M \frac{dI_2}{dt}$$
When the current in a single isolated coil changes, the flux linked with the coil itself changes, inducing a back emf. The flux linkage is proportional to the current:
$$N\Phi_B = L I$$
where $L$ is the self-inductance of the coil. The induced back emf is:
$$\epsilon = -L \frac{dI}{dt}$$
For a long solenoid of cross-sectional area $A$, length $l$, and turn density $n$:
$$L = \mu_0 n^2 A l$$
If filled with a material of relative permeability $\mu_r$:
$$L = \mu_r \mu_0 n^2 A l$$
Work must be done against the back emf to establish a current $I$ in an inductor. This work is stored as magnetic potential energy:
$$W = \frac{1}{2} L I^2$$
The magnetic energy stored per unit volume (magnetic energy density $u_B$) inside a solenoid is:
$$u_B = \frac{B^2}{2\mu_0}$$
The AC generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using electromagnetic induction.
An armature coil of $N$ turns and area $A$ is rotated with a constant angular speed $\omega$ in a uniform magnetic field $\mathbf{B}$.
The induced emf varies sinusoidally with time, producing an alternating current.
Mathematical Problem Statement (Example 6.10): Kamla peddles a stationary bicycle. The pedals of the bicycle are attached to a 100 turn coil of area 0.10 m² . The coil rotates at half a revolution per second and it is placed in a uniform magnetic field of 0.01 T perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the coil. What is the maximum voltage generated in the coil?
Step-by-Step Algorithmic Solution Trace:
- Identify the given parameters: $N = 100$, $A = 0.10\text{ m}^2$, $B = 0.01\text{ T}$, frequency $\nu = 0.5\text{ Hz}$.
- Calculate the angular frequency $\omega$: $$\omega = 2\pi \nu = 2\pi \times 0.5 = \pi\text{ rad/s} \approx 3.14\text{ rad/s}$$
- Calculate the maximum voltage $\epsilon_0$: $$\epsilon_0 = NBA\omega = 100 \times 0.01 \times 0.10 \times 3.14 = 0.314\text{ V}$$
Final Evaluation Output: Maximum voltage = 0.314 V