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Electromagnetic induction, Meaning (SPM Physics)

The production of an electromotive force in a conductor when there is a changing magnetic field linking it.

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EnglishElectromagnetic induction
Bahasa MelayuAruhan elektromagnet
中文电磁感应

Definition

The production of an electromotive force in a conductor when there is a changing magnetic field linking it.

Electromagnetism

In exam terms

Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electromotive force (e.m.f.) in a conductor when the magnetic field linking it changes. The induced e.m.f. is measured in volts (V); if the conductor forms a closed circuit, an induced current flows.

You can induce an e.m.f. by moving a magnet in or out of a coil, moving a conductor across a magnetic field, or switching a nearby current on and off. The size of the induced e.m.f. increases with a faster rate of change of the field, more turns on the coil, and a stronger magnet.

Example of correct use: Moving the magnet into the coil faster gives a larger induced e.m.f. and a bigger galvanometer deflection.

Do not confuse it with…

Do not confuse electromagnetic induction with the motor effect (force on a current-carrying conductor). Induction is the reverse process: motion or a changing field produces an e.m.f., which is the generator effect and uses Fleming's right-hand rule.

The motor effect supplies current to get force and uses the left-hand rule.

In Paper 2 this is asked as define or explain: define electromagnetic induction, or explain how the e.m.f. can be increased. When explaining, always link the induced e.m.f. to a changing magnetic field, not merely a stationary magnet.

Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)

Frequently asked questions

What is needed to induce an e.m.f. in a coil?
A change in the magnetic field linking the coil. This can come from moving a magnet, moving the coil, or switching a nearby current on and off. A stationary magnet inside a stationary coil induces nothing.
How can the induced e.m.f. be increased?
Move the magnet or coil faster, use more turns on the coil, or use a stronger magnet. All of these increase the rate of change of magnetic flux linking the coil.
Why does the galvanometer read zero when the magnet is held still inside the coil?
Because there is no change in the magnetic field. An e.m.f. is induced only while the field linking the coil is changing, not when it is steady.

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