Time Varying Magnetic Field

Time Varying Magnetic Field

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:05 PM IST

A time-varying magnetic field is a magnetic field whose strength and direction change over time. This phenomenon is fundamental in the study of electromagnetism and has a wide range of practical applications in everyday life. When a magnetic field changes, it induces an electric field, a principle known as electromagnetic induction. This principle is the backbone of many modern technologies. For example, it is used in the generation of electricity in power plants, where rotating turbines create time-varying magnetic fields that induce electric currents. Another common application is in transformers, which adjust the voltage of electric power for safe and efficient transmission and distribution. The concept also finds use in wireless communication devices, where varying magnetic fields are used to transmit data over distances. Understanding time-varying magnetic fields is crucial for developing and improving the technology that powers and connects our world.

This Story also Contains
  1. Time-Varying Magnetic Field
  2. Solved Examples Based on Time-Varying Magnetic Field
  3. Summary
Time Varying Magnetic Field
Time Varying Magnetic Field

Time-Varying Magnetic Field

A time-varying magnetic field is a magnetic field whose magnitude and direction change over time. This dynamic behaviour is a fundamental aspect of electromagnetism and plays a critical role in various technological applications. In essence, when a magnetic field varies with time, it induces an electric field, a phenomenon described by Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction. This principle is at the heart of many devices we use daily.

As we learn Induced electric field is given by

$\varepsilon=\oint \overrightarrow{E_{i n}} \cdot \overrightarrow{d l}=\frac{-d \phi}{d t}$

But by using $\phi=B. A$ so we can also write

$\varepsilon=\oint \overrightarrow{E_{i n}} \cdot \overrightarrow{d l}=\frac{-d \phi}{d t}=-A \frac{d B}{d t}$

Where

A $\rightarrow$ constant Area

B $\rightarrow$ Varying Magnetic field

Example

A uniform but time-varying magnetic field B(t) exists in a circular region of radius ‘a’ and is directed into the plane of the paper as shown in the below figure, the magnitude of the induced electric field $\left(E_{i n}\right)$ at point P lies at a distance r from the centre of the circular region is calculated as follows.

Due to the time-varying magnetic field induced electric field will be produced whose electric field lines are concentric circular closed curves of radius r.

$
\begin{aligned}
\text { if } r & \leq a \\
\text { then } E_{\text {in }}(2 \pi r) & =\pi r^2\left|\frac{d B}{d t}\right| \\
\Rightarrow & E_{\text {in }}=\frac{r}{2}\left|\frac{d B}{d t}\right|
\end{aligned}
$

For $r>R$,
$
\begin{aligned}
& E_{\text {in }} * 2 \pi r=\pi a^2\left|\frac{d B}{d t}\right| \\
& \Rightarrow E_{\text {in }}=\frac{a^2}{2 r}\left|\frac{d B}{d t}\right|
\end{aligned}
$

The graph of E vs r

where E=induced electric field

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Solved Examples Based on Time-Varying Magnetic Field

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

$\begin{aligned} & d \phi \rightarrow \phi_2-\phi_1 \\ & \phi=10 \mathrm{t}^2-50 t+250 \\ & \therefore \quad \frac{d \phi}{d t}=20 t-50 \\ & \text { Induced em } f, \varepsilon=\frac{-d \phi}{d t} \\ & \text { or } \varepsilon=-(20 t-50)=-[(20 \times 3)-50]=-10 \text { volt } \\ & \text { or } \varepsilon=-10 \text { volt }\end{aligned}$

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 an induced electric field then the value of line integral $\oint \vec{E}.{d \vec{r}}$. along the given loop is equal to

1) $\alpha A$
2) $-\alpha A$
3) $3 \alpha A$
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:

Induced current $I=\frac{-n}{R^{\prime}} \frac{d \phi}{d t}=\frac{-n}{R^{\prime}} \frac{d W}{d t}$,

where, $\phi=W=$ 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 of 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

A time-varying magnetic field induces an electric field, a principle described by Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction. This phenomenon is crucial in various applications, such as electricity generation, transformers, and wireless communication. Understanding the induced electric fields, as demonstrated through practical examples and mathematical equations, highlights the importance of this concept in both theoretical and applied electromagnetism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do time-varying magnetic fields contribute to the operation of magnetic resonance spectroscopy?
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) uses time-varying magnetic fields (radio frequency pulses) in conjunction with strong static magnetic fields to study the chemical composition of materials. The time-varying fields excite specific atomic nuclei, causing them to absorb and re-emit energy at characteristic frequencies. This allows researchers to identify and quantify different chemical compounds within a sample.
2. What is a time-varying magnetic field?
A time-varying magnetic field is a magnetic field that changes in strength, direction, or both over time. Unlike static magnetic fields, which remain constant, time-varying magnetic fields fluctuate, leading to important electromagnetic effects such as induced electric fields and currents.
3. How does a time-varying magnetic field relate to Faraday's law of induction?
Faraday's law of induction states that a changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a conductor. Specifically, the induced EMF is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux through the conductor. Time-varying magnetic fields are essential for this process, as they create the changing magnetic flux necessary for electromagnetic induction.
4. Can a static magnetic field induce a current in a conductor?
No, a static (non-changing) magnetic field cannot induce a current in a conductor. Electromagnetic induction requires a change in the magnetic field or a change in the magnetic flux through the conductor. This change can occur either by varying the magnetic field itself or by moving the conductor relative to the field.
5. What is magnetic flux, and how does it relate to time-varying magnetic fields?
Magnetic flux is a measure of the total magnetic field passing through a given area. It is calculated as the product of the magnetic field strength, the area, and the cosine of the angle between the field and the area's normal vector. In time-varying magnetic fields, the magnetic flux changes over time, which is crucial for electromagnetic induction.
6. How does the orientation of a conductor affect the induced EMF in a time-varying magnetic field?
The orientation of the conductor relative to the magnetic field lines affects the induced EMF. Maximum EMF is induced when the conductor is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines, as this orientation allows for the greatest change in magnetic flux. When the conductor is parallel to the field lines, no EMF is induced because there is no change in magnetic flux through the conductor.
7. What is Lenz's law, and how does it relate to time-varying magnetic fields?
Lenz's law states that the direction of an induced current is such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that caused it. In time-varying magnetic fields, this means that the induced current creates its own magnetic field that opposes the original changing field, effectively trying to counteract the change.
8. How do time-varying magnetic fields contribute to the generation of alternating current (AC)?
Time-varying magnetic fields are fundamental to AC generation. In an AC generator, a coil is rotated in a magnetic field, causing the magnetic flux through the coil to change continuously. This changing flux induces an alternating EMF in the coil, which results in an alternating current when connected to a circuit.
9. What is the difference between a time-varying magnetic field and a rotating magnetic field?
A time-varying magnetic field changes in strength or direction over time but may do so in a fixed location. A rotating magnetic field, on the other hand, maintains a constant strength but changes its orientation in space over time. Both can induce currents in conductors, but rotating fields are particularly important in the operation of certain types of electric motors.
10. How do eddy currents relate to time-varying magnetic fields?
Eddy currents are circular electric currents induced within conductors by time-varying magnetic fields. These currents flow in closed loops perpendicular to the magnetic field. Eddy currents can cause heating in the conductor and create their own magnetic fields that oppose the original field change, as per Lenz's law.
11. What is the skin effect, and how is it related to time-varying magnetic fields?
The skin effect is a phenomenon where alternating current tends to flow near the surface of a conductor rather than through its core. This effect is caused by time-varying magnetic fields induced by the current itself. As frequency increases, the current is increasingly confined to the conductor's surface, effectively reducing the usable cross-sectional area and increasing resistance.
12. How do time-varying magnetic fields enable wireless power transfer?
Wireless power transfer utilizes time-varying magnetic fields to induce current in a receiving coil. A transmitting coil generates a time-varying magnetic field, which induces an EMF in a nearby receiving coil. This induced EMF can then power a device or charge a battery, allowing for the transfer of electrical energy without direct physical contact.
13. What is electromagnetic shielding, and how does it relate to time-varying magnetic fields?
Electromagnetic shielding is the practice of reducing the electromagnetic field in a space by blocking it with barriers made of conductive or magnetic materials. For time-varying magnetic fields, shielding often involves using materials that can conduct and redirect the magnetic flux, such as mu-metal or other high-permeability alloys.
14. How do time-varying magnetic fields contribute to the operation of transformers?
Transformers rely on time-varying magnetic fields for their operation. The primary coil of a transformer creates a time-varying magnetic field when connected to an AC source. This changing field induces an EMF in the secondary coil, transferring energy between the two coils and allowing for voltage step-up or step-down.
15. What is magnetic hysteresis, and how does it relate to time-varying magnetic fields?
Magnetic hysteresis is the tendency of a magnetic material to retain its magnetization even after an external magnetic field is removed. In the context of time-varying magnetic fields, hysteresis leads to energy losses as the material's magnetic domains realign with each field reversal. This effect is important in the design of transformers and other electromagnetic devices.
16. How do time-varying magnetic fields affect human health?
The effects of time-varying magnetic fields on human health are a subject of ongoing research. While strong fields can induce currents in the body that may interfere with nerve and muscle function, most everyday exposure to time-varying magnetic fields (such as from power lines or household appliances) is considered safe. However, guidelines exist to limit exposure in certain occupational settings.
17. What is the relationship between time-varying magnetic fields and electromagnetic waves?
Time-varying magnetic fields are an integral part of electromagnetic waves. According to Maxwell's equations, a changing magnetic field induces a changing electric field, and vice versa. This mutual induction of time-varying electric and magnetic fields propagates through space as an electromagnetic wave, forming the basis for all electromagnetic radiation.
18. How do time-varying magnetic fields contribute to the operation of electric motors?
In many electric motors, time-varying magnetic fields interact with permanent magnets or electromagnets to produce rotational motion. For example, in an AC induction motor, a rotating magnetic field in the stator induces currents in the rotor, creating a torque that causes the rotor to spin.
19. What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and how does it use time-varying magnetic fields?
MRI is a medical imaging technique that uses strong static magnetic fields and time-varying magnetic fields (radio frequency pulses) to generate detailed images of the body's internal structures. The time-varying fields excite hydrogen atoms in the body, and the resulting signals are used to construct images based on the different relaxation times of various tissues.
20. How do time-varying magnetic fields relate to the concept of mutual inductance?
Mutual inductance occurs when a time-varying current in one circuit induces an EMF in another nearby circuit through the magnetic field it produces. The time-varying magnetic field from the first circuit links with the second circuit, inducing a voltage according to Faraday's law. This principle is fundamental to the operation of transformers and some types of sensors.
21. What is the difference between electromagnetic induction and self-induction?
Electromagnetic induction refers to the generation of an EMF in a conductor due to a changing magnetic field from an external source. Self-induction, on the other hand, occurs when a changing current in a conductor creates a time-varying magnetic field that induces an EMF in the same conductor, opposing the change in current.
22. How do time-varying magnetic fields contribute to energy losses in electrical systems?
Time-varying magnetic fields can lead to energy losses through several mechanisms: eddy currents in conductive materials, hysteresis losses in magnetic materials, and radiation of electromagnetic energy. These losses are particularly important in the design of transformers, motors, and high-frequency electronic devices.
23. What is the relationship between the frequency of a time-varying magnetic field and the induced EMF?
According to Faraday's law, the induced EMF is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux. For a sinusoidal time-varying magnetic field, this means that the induced EMF is proportional to the frequency of the field. Higher frequency fields induce larger EMFs, assuming the field strength remains constant.
24. How do time-varying magnetic fields affect the operation of inductors?
Inductors store energy in their magnetic fields. When subjected to time-varying currents, they produce time-varying magnetic fields that induce a back EMF in the inductor itself. This property gives inductors their characteristic behavior of opposing changes in current, which is crucial in many electronic circuits.
25. What is electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and how does it relate to time-varying magnetic fields?
Electromagnetic compatibility refers to the ability of electronic equipment to function correctly in an environment with electromagnetic interference and without causing interference to other devices. Time-varying magnetic fields can be a source of electromagnetic interference, so EMC design often involves shielding and other techniques to mitigate the effects of these fields.
26. How do time-varying magnetic fields enable the detection of metal objects in security systems?
Metal detectors use time-varying magnetic fields to detect metallic objects. The detector generates a time-varying magnetic field, which induces eddy currents in nearby metallic objects. These eddy currents then produce their own magnetic fields, which are detected by the device, indicating the presence of metal.
27. What is the principle behind induction cooktops, and how do they use time-varying magnetic fields?
Induction cooktops use time-varying magnetic fields to heat cookware directly. A high-frequency alternating current in a coil beneath the cooktop surface creates a time-varying magnetic field. This field induces eddy currents in the base of magnetic cookware, generating heat through resistive losses. The cookware heats up, while the cooktop surface remains relatively cool.
28. How do time-varying magnetic fields relate to the operation of electric generators?
Electric generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy using time-varying magnetic fields. As a conductor moves through a magnetic field (or a magnetic field moves past a conductor), the changing magnetic flux induces an EMF in the conductor. This principle is used in various types of generators, from large power plant turbines to small dynamos.
29. What is magnetic damping, and how does it utilize time-varying magnetic fields?
Magnetic damping is a method of slowing down or stopping the motion of a conductive object using time-varying magnetic fields. As the object moves through a magnetic field, eddy currents are induced in the object. These currents create their own magnetic fields that oppose the motion, converting kinetic energy into heat. This principle is used in some types of brakes and shock absorbers.
30. How do time-varying magnetic fields contribute to the operation of particle accelerators?
Particle accelerators use time-varying magnetic fields in several ways. Radio-frequency cavities use oscillating electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles. Bending magnets use strong, precisely controlled magnetic fields to steer particle beams. Focusing magnets use specially shaped fields to keep particle beams concentrated. The timing and strength of these fields are critical to the accelerator's operation.
31. What is the Hall effect, and how does it relate to time-varying magnetic fields?
The Hall effect is the production of a voltage difference across an electrical conductor when a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the flow of current. While the Hall effect can occur with static magnetic fields, it's also relevant to time-varying fields. In AC applications, Hall effect sensors can be used to measure time-varying magnetic fields and currents.
32. How do time-varying magnetic fields enable contactless smart card technology?
Contactless smart cards use a principle called near-field communication (NFC), which relies on time-varying magnetic fields. The card reader generates a time-varying magnetic field, which induces a current in the card's antenna when it's brought close. This powers the card's chip and allows for data exchange through modulation of the magnetic field.
33. What is magnetic levitation, and how does it use time-varying magnetic fields?
Magnetic levitation (maglev) technology uses magnetic fields to suspend objects without physical support. While static fields can provide lift, time-varying fields are often used for stability and propulsion. In maglev trains, for example, time-varying fields in the guideway interact with superconducting magnets on the train to provide both lift and forward motion.
34. How do time-varying magnetic fields contribute to the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction in the Earth's magnetic field?
The Earth's magnetic field, while largely static, has small time-varying components due to solar activity and other factors. These variations can induce currents in large conductive structures like power lines and pipelines. During geomagnetic storms, these induced currents can become significant enough to disrupt power grids and other infrastructure.
35. What is the relationship between time-varying magnetic fields and Faraday cages?
Faraday cages are enclosures made of conductive material that block electromagnetic fields. While they are effective against static electric fields, their performance with time-varying magnetic fields depends on the frequency and the cage's design. At high frequencies, induced currents in the cage material can effectively shield the interior from external time-varying magnetic fields.
36. How do time-varying magnetic fields enable wireless charging for mobile devices?
Wireless charging for mobile devices typically uses a principle called inductive coupling, which relies on time-varying magnetic fields. The charger contains a coil that generates a time-varying magnetic field when supplied with AC. This field induces a current in a corresponding coil in the device, which is then used to charge the battery.
37. What is the skin depth in a conductor, and how is it related to time-varying magnetic fields?
Skin depth is the distance below the surface of a conductor at which the current density has fallen to 1/e (about 37%) of its value at the surface. It's a consequence of the skin effect caused by time-varying magnetic fields within the conductor. The skin depth decreases with increasing frequency of the time-varying field and with increasing conductivity and permeability of the material.
38. How do time-varying magnetic fields contribute to the operation of magnetic recording devices?
In magnetic recording devices, such as hard disk drives, time-varying magnetic fields are used to write data. The write head generates a time-varying magnetic field that aligns the magnetic domains on the recording medium. During playback, the movement of the medium past the read head creates a time-varying magnetic field that induces a current in the head, allowing the data to be read.
39. What is the principle behind electromagnetic flow meters, and how do they use time-varying magnetic fields?
Electromagnetic flow meters use time-varying magnetic fields to measure the flow rate of conductive liquids. A magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the flow, and electrodes measure the voltage induced across the liquid due to its motion through the field. The induced voltage is proportional to the flow rate, allowing for accurate measurement without obstructing the flow.
40. How do time-varying magnetic fields relate to the concept of displacement current in Maxwell's equations?
Maxwell introduced the concept of displacement current to explain how changing electric fields can produce magnetic fields, even in the absence of conductive currents. This concept completes the symmetry between electric and magnetic fields in Maxwell's equations. In the case of time-varying magnetic fields, the changing magnetic field produces a changing electric field, which in turn contributes to the displacement current.
41. What is magnetic reluctance, and how does it affect the behavior of time-varying magnetic fields in magnetic circuits?
Magnetic reluctance is the magnetic equivalent of electrical resistance, representing the opposition to magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit. In systems with time-varying magnetic fields, such as transformers or motors, the reluctance of the magnetic path affects the strength and distribution of the magnetic field. Lower reluctance paths (e.g., iron cores) concentrate the magnetic flux, improving the coupling between primary and secondary coils in transformers.
42. What is the relationship between time-varying magnetic fields and electromagnetic momentum?
Time-varying magnetic fields, along with their associated electric fields, carry electromagnetic momentum. This momentum is described by the Poynting vector, which represents the directional energy flux density of an electromagnetic field. In systems with time-varying fields, the exchange of this momentum with matter can result in forces, as seen in the operation of antennas and in the radiation pressure of light.
43. How do time-varying magnetic fields enable the operation of magnetic sensors like search coils?
Search coils, also known as induction coils, detect time-varying magnetic fields by utilizing Faraday's law of induction. The
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