Faraday's Law
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, 80% of the students should be able to:
Explain Faraday’s Law based on its importance in electromagnetism.
Calculate the induced emf in a closed loop due to a time-varying magnetic flux using Faraday’s Law.
Value the importance of Faraday’s Law in our daily lives.
Michael Faraday
An English physicist and chemist.
Contributed significantly to the understanding of electromagnetism through numerous experiments.
First to generate an electric current from a magnetic field.
Faraday's Law and Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic Induction: The process of using magnetic fields to produce voltage; in a closed circuit, this results in current.
Principle of Faraday’s Law
Faraday's Law of Induction: A fundamental law in electromagnetism predicting how a magnetic field interacts with an electric circuit to produce an electromotive force (emf), known as electromagnetic induction.
This law is foundational for the operation of transformers, inductors, electrical motors, generators, and solenoids.
Magnetic Flux
Defined as the number of magnetic field lines passing through a closed surface:
Where:
= magnetic field strength (T)
= area (m²)
= angle with the perpendicular to the area.
Units: Weber (Wb), equivalent to .
Understanding Magnetic Flux
The magnetic flux can be represented as:
As indicated, represents the component of the magnetic field perpendicular to the area.
Calculating the Perpendicular Component of the Magnetic Field
Perpendicular component can be represented as:
If : field is fully perpendicular, hence
If : field is parallel, hence
If : half of the field passes through, hence
Electromotive Force (emf)
Defined as the voltage created when a changing magnetic field induces current in a circuit.
Units: Volts (V).
Equation for induced emf due to magnetic flux changes:
Factors Affecting Induced emf
Faraday’s experiments revealed that emf induced by changes in magnetic flux depends on several factors:
The change in flux ().
The change in time (); the smaller this change, the greater the emf induced (inversely proportional).
The number of turns in the coil (); an emf will be produced that is times greater than that for a single coil (directly proportional).
Determining Induced Voltage
Induced voltage (emf) can be influenced by:
Increasing the number of turns of wire in the coil.
Increasing the speed of relative motion between the coil and the magnetic field.
Increasing the strength of the magnetic field.
Sample Problem 1
Problem: A circular wire loop of radius is placed in a uniform magnetic field of strength at an angle of to the normal of the loop's plane. Find the magnetic flux through the loop.
Given:
Radius of loop:
Magnetic field strength:
Angle:
Required: Magnetic flux ()
Calculation Steps
Calculate the area of the loop:
Find the perpendicular component of the magnetic field:
Calculate magnetic flux:
Final Answer: The magnetic flux through the loop is .
Sample Problem 2
Problem: Calculate the magnitude of the induced emf when a magnet is thrust into a coil with a radius of . The magnetic field changes from to over .
Given:
Initial Magnetic Field:
Final Magnetic Field:
Change in time:
Number of turns:
Required: Magnitude of induced emf ().
Calculation Steps
Calculate the area of the coil:
Calculate change in magnetic field component:
Calculate change in magnetic flux:
Calculate induced emf:
Final Answer: Magnitude of the induced emf is .
Exercise Problems
Problem 1: A rectangular loop with dimensions in a uniform magnetic field of , oriented perpendicular to the plane of the loop. Calculate the magnetic flux.
Given:
Length:
Width:
Magnetic field:
Angle:
Solution Steps for Problem 1
Calculate the area of the loop:
Determine the angle factor:
Calculate magnetic flux:
Final Answer: The magnetic flux through the loop is .
Problem 2: A single-turn circular loop of radius is in a magnetic field that increases from to over . Calculate the induced emf.
Given:
Initial magnetic field:
Final magnetic field:
Change in time:
Number of turns:
Solution Steps for Problem 2
Calculate the area of the loop:
Calculate change in magnetic field:
Calculate change in magnetic flux:
Calculate induced emf:
Final Answer: The induced emf is .
Applications of Faraday's Law
Faraday's Law enables various technological applications that have transformed human existence post-discovery, such as:
1. Electric Generators
Operate on the principle that rotating a coil in a magnetic field induces current, facilitating large-scale electricity production and powering homes and industries.
2. Induction Stove
Utilizes alternating current in a coil to create a changing magnetic field inducing currents that heat metal pans directly, providing fast, efficient cooking without open flames.
3. Transformers
Work by inducing voltage in secondary coils through changing magnetic flux in primary coils, crucial for safe long-distance electricity transmission.
4. Communication Devices
Antennas and microphones convert signals into electrical currents and vice versa, enhancing global communication and media dissemination.
5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Employs rapidly oscillating magnetic fields to induce signals in hydrogen atoms, converted into images for non-invasive medical assessments.
Reflection Questions
1. Identify an everyday device or machine that operates on Faraday’s Law.
2. Discuss how Faraday’s Law enhances convenience in daily life.
3. Explain the significance of recognizing the role of Faraday’s Law within technology and industry.