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CLASS 9 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Electromagnetic induction – basic principles

How it works

Electromagnetic induction describes the creation of an electric voltage in a conductor or a coil when the magnetic flux through it changes with time. This can happen when a conductor or a coil is moved relative to a magnetic field, when the magnetic field strength changes, or when the orientation of the coil relative to the magnetic field changes. The induced voltage is greater the faster the flux changes, the stronger the magnetic field is, the larger the effective area is, or the more turns the coil has. The direction of the induced effect is described by Lenz's law: The induced current is directed so that it opposes the flux change causing it. Technical applications are generators and transformers.

Note
An electric voltage is induced when the magnetic flux through a conductor or a coil changes with time – for example by movement in a magnetic field, by a change in the magnetic field strength, or by a change in orientation.

An example

What happens if a conducting loop rests in a constant magnetic field and its position remains unchanged?

No voltage is induced because the magnetic flux through the loop does not change. A time variation of the magnetic flux is required for induction.

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