Faraday's law of induction

Faraday's law of induction

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:23 PM IST

Faraday's Law of Induction, formulated by Michael Faraday in 1831, is a fundamental principle of electromagnetism that describes how a change in magnetic field within a closed loop induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a conductor. This law forms the backbone of many modern technologies, including electric generators, transformers, and inductive charging devices. In essence, Faraday's Law reveals how electricity can be generated from magnetism, which is pivotal in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. In real life, this principle is vividly demonstrated in the working of power plants where mechanical energy from turbines is transformed into electricity, powering our homes and industries. Additionally, it's the principle behind induction stovetops and wireless charging pads for smartphones, showcasing its ubiquitous presence in everyday life. In this article, we will discuss the concept of Faraday's law of induction. Knowing this concept is vital both in theoretical questions and also in its practical applications in the examinations.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is Faraday’s First Law?
  2. What is Faraday’s Second Law?
  3. Induced Current
  4. Induced Charge
  5. Induced Power
  6. Solved Examples Based on Faraday's Law of Induction
  7. Summary
Faraday's law of induction
Faraday's law of induction

What is Faraday’s First Law?

Faraday's First Law of Electromagnetic Induction states that an electromotive force (EMF) is induced in a conductor when the magnetic field around it changes. In simpler terms, it means that whenever a conductor experiences a change in the magnetic environment, a voltage is generated within the conductor. This can occur due to the relative motion between the conductor and the magnetic field, or due to a change in the strength or direction of the magnetic field.

Whenever the number of magnetic lines of force (Magnetic Flux) passing through a circuit changes an emf called induced emf is produced in the circuit. The induced emf persists only as long as there is a change of flux.

What is Faraday’s Second Law?

Faraday's Second Law of Electromagnetic Induction states that the magnitude of the induced electromotive force (EMF) is directly proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux through the circuit.

The induced emf is given by the rate of change of magnetic flux linked with the circuit.

i.e Rate of change of magnetic Flux $\varepsilon=\frac{-d \phi}{d t}$

where $d \phi \rightarrow \phi_2-\phi_1=$ change in flux

And For N turns it is given as $\varepsilon=\frac{-N d \phi}{d t}$ where N= Number of turns in the Coil.

The negative sign indicates that induced emf (e) opposes the change of flux.
And this Flux may change with time in several ways

$
\text { 1.e As } \phi=B A \cos \Theta \text { so } \varepsilon=N \frac{-d}{d t}(B A \cos \Theta)
$
1. If Area (A) changes then
$
\varepsilon=-N B \cos \Theta\left(\frac{d A}{d t}\right)
$
2. If Magnetic field (B) changes then
$
\varepsilon=-N A \cos \Theta\left(\frac{d B}{d t}\right)
$
3. If Angle ( $\theta$ ) change then $\varepsilon=-N A B \frac{d(\cos \Theta)}{d \Theta} \times \frac{d \Theta}{d t}$ or $\varepsilon=+N B A \omega \sin \Theta$

Induced Current

Induced current refers to the electric current that is generated in a conductor when it experiences a change in the magnetic field around it. This phenomenon is a direct consequence of Faraday's Law of Induction, which states that a changing magnetic flux through a conductor induces an electromotive force (EMF) that drives the current.

$I=\frac{\varepsilon}{R}=\frac{-N}{R} \frac{d \phi}{d t}$

where

$R \rightarrow$ Resistance
$\frac{d \phi}{d t} \rightarrow_{\text {Rate of change of flux }}$

Induced Charge

Induced charge refers to the redistribution of electric charge within a conductor when it is exposed to an external electric field. Unlike induced current, which involves the flow of electric charge, induced charge involves the movement and separation of charges within a conductor without necessarily creating a continuous current.

$\begin{aligned} & d q=i \cdot d t=\frac{-N}{R} \frac{d \phi}{d t} \cdot d t \\ & d q=\frac{-N}{R} d \phi\end{aligned}$

I.e Induced Charge was time-independent.

Induced Power

Induced power refers to the electrical power generated as a result of electromagnetic induction. This concept is central to many electrical devices and systems, where a changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a conductor, leading to the generation of electrical power.

$P=\frac{\varepsilon^2}{R}=\frac{N^2}{R}\left(\frac{d \phi}{d t}\right)^2$

i.e. - Induced Power depends on both time and resistance.

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Solved Examples Based on Faraday's Law of Induction

Example 1: The flux linked with a coil at any instant t is given by $\phi=10 t^2-50 t+250$ The induced emf (in Volts) at t = 3s is

1) -10
2) -190
3) 190
4) 10

Solution:

Rate of change of magnetic Flux

$
\varepsilon=\frac{-d \phi}{d t}
$
wherein
$
d \phi \rightarrow \phi_2-\phi_1
$
$
\begin{aligned}
& \phi=10 \mathrm{t}^2-50 t+250 \\
& \therefore \frac{d \phi}{d t}=20 t-50
\end{aligned}
$

Induced em $f, \varepsilon=\frac{-d \phi}{d t}$ or $\varepsilon=-(20 t-50)=-[(20 \times 3)-50]=-10$ volt or $\varepsilon=-10$ volt

Hence, the answer is the option (1).

Example 2: Figure shows three regions of the magnetic field, each of area A, and in each region magnitude of the magnetic field decreases at a constant rate a. If $\vec{E}$ is induced electric field then the value of the line integral $\oint \vec{E}$.$d \vec{r}$ along the given loop is equal to

1) $\alpha A$
2) $-\alpha A$
3) $3 \alpha \mathrm{A}$
4) $-3 \alpha A$

Solution:

Rate of change of magnetic Flux
$
\varepsilon=\frac{-d \phi}{d t}
$
wherein
$
d \phi \rightarrow \phi_2-\phi_1
$
$\phi_2-\phi_1-$ change in flux

Potential
$
\int \vec{E} \cdot d \vec{r}=-\frac{d \phi}{d t}
$
and take the sign of flux according to the right-hand curl rule.
$
\int \vec{E} \cdot d \vec{r}=-((\alpha A)+(\alpha A)+(-\alpha A))=-\alpha A
$

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Example 3: A coil having n turns and resistance R is connected with a galvanometer of resistance 4R. This combination is moved in time t seconds from a magnetic field W1 weber to W2 weber. The induced current in the circuit is

1) $-\frac{W_2-W_1}{5 R n t}$
2) $-\frac{n\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{5 R t}$
3) $-\frac{\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{R n t}$
4) $-\frac{n\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{R t}$

Solution:

$\phi=W=$ flux $\times$ per unit turn of the coil
Change in flux $=W_2-W_1$
Total current per coil
$
\begin{aligned}
& \therefore I=\frac{\xi}{R_{e q}}=\frac{n}{R_{e q}} \frac{\Delta \phi}{\Delta t} \\
& I=\frac{n\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{(R+4 R) t}=\frac{n\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{5 R t}
\end{aligned}
$

The induced current is opposite to its cause of production
$
I=\frac{-n\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{5 R t}
$

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Example 4: Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that the induced EMF is

1) Proportional to the change in magnetic flux linkage

2) Equal to the change in magnetic flux linkage

3) Equal to the change in magnetic flux

4) Proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux

Solution:

Flux may change with time in several ways

$
\varepsilon=N \frac{-d}{d t}(B A \cos \Theta)
$

From Faraday's law
$
\varepsilon=-N \frac{d \phi}{d t}
$

Where $\phi=B A \cos \theta$

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

Example 5: A small circular loop of wire of radius a is located at the centre of a much larger circular wire loop of radius b. The two loops are in the same plane. The outer loop of radius b carries an alternating current $I=I_0 \cos (\omega t)$. The emf induced in the smaller inner loop is nearly :

1) $\frac{\pi \mu_0 I_0}{2} * \frac{a^2}{b} \omega \sin \omega t$
2) $\frac{\pi \mu_0 I_0}{2} * \frac{a^2}{b} \omega \cos \omega t$
3) $\pi \mu_0 I_0 * \frac{a^2}{b} \omega \sin \omega t$
4) $\pi \mu_0 I_0 * \frac{b^2}{a} \omega \cos \omega t$

Solution:

The magnetic field produced by the outer loop $=\frac{\mu_o I}{2 R}=\frac{\mu_o I_o \cos \omega t}{2 b}$

$\begin{aligned} & \phi=B \cdot A=\left(\frac{\mu_o I_o \cos \omega t}{2 b}\right) \pi a^2 \\ & \xi=\left|\frac{-d \phi}{d t}\right|=\frac{\mu_o I_o \pi}{2 b} a^2 \cdot \omega \sin \omega t\end{aligned}$

Hence the answer is the option (1).

Summary

Faraday's Law of Induction, established by Michael Faraday, describes how a changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a conductor. Faraday's First Law states that EMF is generated when magnetic flux through a circuit changes, while the Second Law quantifies that the magnitude of EMF is proportional to the rate of flux change. Induced currents and charges arise from these EMFs, leading to practical applications in power generation, transformers, and wireless charging. Understanding these principles is crucial for both theoretical analysis and practical problem-solving in electromagnetism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the relationship between Faraday's law and Maxwell's equations?
Faraday's law is one of Maxwell's four fundamental equations of electromagnetism. Specifically, it's represented by Maxwell's third equation, which states that a changing magnetic field produces an electric field. This law complements the other equations to provide a complete description of electromagnetic phenomena.
2. What is Faraday's law of induction in simple terms?
Faraday's law of induction states that a changing magnetic field produces an electric field. This means that when the magnetic flux through a closed loop changes, it induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the loop. The faster the change in magnetic field, the greater the induced EMF.
3. How does Faraday's law explain the behavior of eddy currents?
Eddy currents are circular currents induced in a conductor when it's exposed to a changing magnetic field. Faraday's law predicts that these currents will be induced to oppose the change in magnetic flux. The circulation of these currents can lead to heating and magnetic braking effects.
4. What is the significance of Faraday's law in the design of electric motors?
While generators use Faraday's law to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, electric motors do the reverse. In motors, current-carrying conductors are placed in a magnetic field. The interaction between the current and the field produces a force, causing the motor to rotate. Understanding Faraday's law is crucial for optimizing motor design and efficiency.
5. What is the role of Faraday's law in the functioning of induction cooktops?
Induction cooktops use Faraday's law to generate heat. They create a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. When a ferromagnetic pot is placed on the cooktop, this changing field induces eddy currents in the pot's base. These currents heat the pot due to its electrical resistance, while the cooktop itself remains cool.
6. How does a changing magnetic field induce a current in a wire?
When a wire is exposed to a changing magnetic field, the electrons in the wire experience a force. This force causes the electrons to move, creating an electric current. The direction of this current is such that it opposes the change in the magnetic field that created it.
7. Why doesn't a constant magnetic field induce a current?
A constant magnetic field does not induce a current because Faraday's law requires a change in magnetic flux. When the magnetic field is constant, there is no change in flux, and therefore no induced EMF or current.
8. What is the significance of Lenz's law in electromagnetic induction?
Lenz's law is a consequence of the conservation of energy and determines the direction of the induced current. It states that the induced current will flow in a direction that opposes the change in magnetic flux that caused it. This opposition is nature's way of conserving energy.
9. How does the orientation of a coil relative to a magnetic field affect the induced EMF?
The orientation of a coil relative to a magnetic field affects the amount of magnetic flux passing through it. Maximum EMF is induced when the coil is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines (maximum flux), while no EMF is induced when the coil is parallel to the field lines (no flux).
10. What is electromagnetic damping and how is it related to Faraday's law?
Electromagnetic damping is the reduction of oscillations or motion due to induced currents. When a conductor moves in a magnetic field, Faraday's law predicts an induced current. This current, according to Lenz's law, creates a magnetic field that opposes the motion, thus damping it.
11. How does the speed of a conductor moving through a magnetic field affect the induced EMF?
The speed of a conductor moving through a magnetic field is directly proportional to the induced EMF. Faster movement results in a greater rate of change of magnetic flux, which according to Faraday's law, leads to a larger induced EMF.
12. What is the role of Faraday's law in the operation of electric generators?
Faraday's law is the fundamental principle behind electric generators. In a generator, mechanical energy is used to rotate a coil in a magnetic field. This rotation causes a change in magnetic flux through the coil, inducing an EMF and thus generating electricity.
13. What is the significance of the negative sign in Faraday's law equation?
The negative sign in Faraday's law equation (ε = -dΦ/dt) represents Lenz's law. It indicates that the induced EMF opposes the change in magnetic flux that caused it. This opposition is crucial for energy conservation in electromagnetic systems.
14. How does Faraday's law explain the working principle of transformers?
Transformers work based on Faraday's law. When an alternating current flows through the primary coil, it creates a changing magnetic field. This changing field induces an EMF in the secondary coil. The ratio of turns in the primary and secondary coils determines the voltage transformation.
15. What is the difference between motional EMF and transformer EMF?
Motional EMF is induced when a conductor moves through a stationary magnetic field, while transformer EMF is induced when a stationary conductor is exposed to a changing magnetic field. Both are manifestations of Faraday's law, but the source of the changing magnetic flux differs.
16. What is magnetic flux and how is it related to Faraday's law?
Magnetic flux is a measure of the total magnetic field passing through a given area. In Faraday's law, the rate of change of magnetic flux through a closed loop determines the magnitude of the induced EMF. The greater the rate of change of magnetic flux, the larger the induced EMF.
17. How does the number of turns in a coil affect the induced EMF?
The number of turns in a coil directly affects the induced EMF. According to Faraday's law, the induced EMF is proportional to the number of turns in the coil. Doubling the number of turns will double the induced EMF, assuming all other factors remain constant.
18. How does the area of a loop affect the induced EMF?
The area of a loop directly affects the induced EMF. A larger loop area means more magnetic flux can pass through it. According to Faraday's law, a greater change in flux (which can result from a larger area) leads to a larger induced EMF.
19. What is the difference between self-induction and mutual induction?
Self-induction occurs when a changing current in a coil induces an EMF in the same coil. Mutual induction occurs when a changing current in one coil induces an EMF in a nearby coil. Both phenomena are based on Faraday's law, but they differ in the source and target of the induced EMF.
20. How does the concept of magnetic flux relate to magnetic field lines?
Magnetic flux is a measure of the number of magnetic field lines passing through a given area. The more field lines passing through a surface, the greater the magnetic flux. This concept is crucial in understanding Faraday's law, as it's the change in this flux that induces an EMF.
21. How does the induced EMF in a coil depend on its orientation in a uniform magnetic field?
The induced EMF in a coil depends on the rate of change of magnetic flux through it. In a uniform magnetic field, this change can be achieved by rotating the coil. The EMF varies sinusoidally with the angle between the coil's plane and the field lines, reaching maximum when the coil is perpendicular to the field and zero when parallel.
22. How does Faraday's law explain the phenomenon of electromagnetic braking?
Electromagnetic braking uses Faraday's law to slow down moving objects. As a conductor moves through a magnetic field, an EMF is induced, causing eddy currents to flow. These currents create their own magnetic field that opposes the motion, resulting in a braking effect. This principle is used in some trains and roller coasters.
23. What is the relationship between Faraday's law and Lenz's law?
Faraday's law describes the magnitude of the induced EMF, while Lenz's law determines its direction. Lenz's law is essentially a consequence of Faraday's law and the conservation of energy. Together, they provide a complete description of electromagnetic induction, including both the strength and direction of induced currents.
24. How does the induced EMF in a solenoid depend on its length?
For a given change in magnetic flux, the induced EMF in a solenoid is independent of its length. This is because while a longer solenoid has more turns (which would increase EMF), it also has a smaller change in flux per turn (which would decrease EMF). These effects cancel out, making the total induced EMF dependent only on the total change in flux and the number of turns per unit length.
25. What is the significance of Faraday's law in the context of electromagnetic waves?
Faraday's law is crucial in understanding electromagnetic waves. It shows that a changing magnetic field creates an electric field. Combined with Ampère's law (which shows that a changing electric field creates a magnetic field), this explains how electromagnetic waves propagate through space, with oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpetuating each other.
26. How does Faraday's law explain the skin effect in conductors?
The skin effect, where alternating current tends to flow near the surface of a conductor, can be explained using Faraday's law. The changing current creates a changing magnetic field inside the conductor. This induces eddy currents that oppose the original current flow in the center of the conductor, forcing more current towards the surface.
27. What is the role of Faraday's law in the operation of pickup coils in electric guitars?
Pickup coils in electric guitars work based on Faraday's law. When a metal guitar string vibrates near the pickup, it causes a change in the magnetic field around the pickup's permanent magnet. This changing field induces a current in the pickup coil, which is then amplified to produce sound.
28. How does Faraday's law explain the phenomenon of mutual inductance?
Mutual inductance occurs when a changing current in one coil induces an EMF in another nearby coil. This is a direct application of Faraday's law: the changing current in the first coil creates a changing magnetic field, which then induces an EMF in the second coil as it experiences a change in magnetic flux.
29. What is the significance of Faraday's law in the design of magnetic levitation systems?
Magnetic levitation systems often use Faraday's law to create opposing magnetic fields. When a conductor moves through a magnetic field, induced currents create an opposing magnetic field. By carefully designing the system, this effect can be used to levitate objects, as seen in some high-speed trains and experimental transportation systems.
30. How does Faraday's law relate to the concept of displacement current?
While Faraday's law deals with a changing magnetic field inducing an electric field, the concept of displacement current (introduced by Maxwell) deals with a changing electric field inducing a magnetic field. Together, these concepts complete the picture of electromagnetic induction and are crucial for understanding electromagnetic waves.
31. What is the role of Faraday's law in the functioning of wireless charging systems?
Wireless charging systems use Faraday's law to transfer energy without direct electrical contact. A changing current in the charging pad creates a changing magnetic field. When a device with a compatible receiver coil is placed on the pad, this changing field induces a current in the receiver coil, charging the device's battery.
32. How does Faraday's law explain the operation of metal detectors?
Metal detectors use Faraday's law to detect metallic objects. They generate a changing magnetic field, which induces eddy currents in nearby metallic objects. These eddy currents then produce their own magnetic field, which is detected by the device. The strength and characteristics of this secondary field help identify the presence and nature of metallic objects.
33. What is the significance of Faraday's law in the design of electromagnetic flow meters?
Electromagnetic flow meters use Faraday's law to measure the flow rate of conductive liquids. As the liquid flows through a magnetic field, it acts as a moving conductor, inducing a voltage perpendicular to the flow and the magnetic field. The magnitude of this induced voltage is proportional to the flow rate, allowing accurate measurement.
34. How does Faraday's law explain the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction in the Earth's magnetic field?
The Earth's magnetic field, though relatively weak, can induce currents in large conductors moving through it. This is why long power lines or pipelines can experience induced voltages, especially during geomagnetic storms when the Earth's magnetic field fluctuates rapidly. This phenomenon is a direct application of Faraday's law on a global scale.
35. What is the relationship between Faraday's law and the principle of energy conservation?
Faraday's law, especially when combined with Lenz's law, is consistent with the principle of energy conservation. The induced EMF always acts to oppose the change that created it, ensuring that energy is not created or destroyed. This opposition requires work to be done to maintain the change, preserving energy balance in the system.
36. How does Faraday's law explain the behavior of superconductors in changing magnetic fields?
Superconductors exhibit perfect diamagnetism (the Meissner effect) when cooled below their critical temperature. When exposed to a changing magnetic field, supercurrents are induced on the surface according to Faraday's law. These currents generate a magnetic field that exactly cancels the external field inside the superconductor, expelling all magnetic flux.
37. What is the significance of Faraday's law in the design of particle accelerators?
Particle accelerators use Faraday's law in their radio-frequency (RF) cavities. These cavities contain oscillating electromagnetic fields. As charged particles pass through, they experience a changing magnetic field, which induces an electric field that accelerates the particles. This process allows for the high-energy particle beams used in physics research.
38. How does Faraday's law relate to the concept of magnetic reconnection in plasma physics?
Magnetic reconnection, a process where magnetic field lines break and reconnect, releasing energy, can be understood in part through Faraday's law. The rapid change in magnetic field topology during reconnection induces strong electric fields according to Faraday's law. These fields can accelerate charged particles, contributing to phenomena like solar flares and auroras.
39. What is the role of Faraday's law in the functioning of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines?
In MRI machines, Faraday's law is crucial for signal detection. When the hydrogen nuclei in the body's tissues realign after being excited by radio waves, they produce a changing magnetic field. This changing field induces a current in the receiver coils of the MRI machine, which is then processed to create detailed images of the body's internal structures.
40. How does Faraday's law explain the phenomenon of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) generation?
An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a short burst of electromagnetic energy that can induce damaging currents in electronic devices. EMPs can be generated by rapid changes in magnetic fields, such as those produced by nuclear explosions or solar flares. Faraday's law explains how these rapidly changing fields can induce strong electric fields and currents in conductors, potentially damaging electronic systems.
41. What is the significance of Faraday's law in the design of electromagnetic launchers (railguns)?
Electromagnetic launchers or railguns use Faraday's law indirectly. While they primarily operate on the Lorentz force, the rapid change in current through the rails creates a changing magnetic field. This changing field can induce eddy currents in the projectile and surrounding structures, which must be considered in the design to optimize efficiency and manage heat generation.
42. How does Faraday's law relate to the concept of magnetic flux quantum in superconductors?
The magnetic flux quantum is the smallest unit of magnetic flux in a superconductor. Faraday's law is crucial in understanding how this quantization occurs. In superconducting loops, the induced EMF must result in an integer number of flux quanta, as the phase of the superconducting wave function must be continuous around the loop. This quantization is a fundamental aspect of superconductor behavior.
43. What is the role of Faraday's law in understanding geomagnetic storms?
Geomagnetic storms occur when the Earth's magnetic field interacts with the solar wind. Faraday's law helps explain how these rapid changes in the Earth's magnetic field can induce currents in long conductors like power lines or pipelines. These induced currents can cause power outages and equipment damage, making understanding Faraday's law crucial for space weather prediction and infrastructure protection.
44. How does Faraday's law explain the operation of Hall effect sensors?
While Hall effect sensors primarily operate based on the Hall effect, Faraday's law is relevant to their dynamic behavior. When exposed to a changing magnetic field, Hall
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