Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
- Calculate emf, current, and magnetic fields using Faraday’s law
- Explain the physical results of Lenz’s law
Faraday’s and Lenz’s Law
Faraday’s and Lenz’s Law
Faraday’s experiments showed that the emf induced by a change in magnetic flux depends on only a few factors. First, emf is directly proportional to the change in flux Second, emf is greatest when the change in time is smallest—that is, emf is inversely proportional to Finally, if a coil has turns, an emf will be produced that is times greater than that for a single coil, so that emf is directly proportional to The equation for the emf induced by a change in magnetic flux is
This relationship is known as Faraday’s law of induction. The units for emf are volts, as is usual.
The minus sign in Faraday’s law of induction is very important. The minus means that the emf creates a current I and magnetic field B that oppose the change in flux this is known as Lenz’s law. The direction (given by the minus sign) of the emf is so important that it is called Lenz’s law after the Russian Heinrich Lenz (1804–1865), who, like Faraday and Henry, independently investigated aspects of induction. Faraday was aware of the direction, but Lenz stated it so clearly that he is credited for its discovery. (See Figure 6.7.)
Problem-Solving Strategy for Lenz’s Law
Do the following to use Lenz’s law to determine the directions of the induced magnetic fields, currents, and emfs:
- Make a sketch of the situation for use in visualizing and recording directions.
- Determine the direction of the magnetic field B.
- Determine whether the flux is increasing or decreasing.
- Now, determine the direction of the induced magnetic field B. It opposes the change in flux by adding or subtracting from the original field.
- Use RHR-2 to determine the direction of the induced current I that is responsible for the induced magnetic field B.
- The direction (or polarity) of the induced emf will now drive a current in this direction and can be represented as current emerging from the positive terminal of the emf and returning to its negative terminal.
For practice, apply these steps to the situations shown in Figure 6.7 and to others that are part of the following text material.
Applications of Electromagnetic Induction
Applications of Electromagnetic Induction
There are many applications of Faraday’s law of induction, as we will explore in this chapter and others. At this juncture, let us mention several that have to do with data storage and magnetic fields. A very important application has to do with audio and video recording tapes. A plastic tape, coated with iron oxide, moves past a recording head. This recording head is basically a round iron ring about which is wrapped a coil of wire—an electromagnet (Figure 6.8). A signal in the form of a varying input current from a microphone or camera goes to the recording head. These signals, which are a function of the signal amplitude and frequency, produce varying magnetic fields at the recording head. As the tape moves past the recording head, the magnetic field orientations of the iron oxide molecules on the tape are changed, thus recording the signal. In the playback mode, the magnetized tape is run past another head, similar in structure to the recording head. The different magnetic field orientations of the iron oxide molecules on the tape induce an emf in the coil of wire in the playback head. This signal is then sent to a loudspeaker or video player.
Similar principles apply to computer hard drives, except at a much faster rate. Here, recordings are on a coated, spinning disk. Read heads historically were made to work on the principle of induction. However, the input information is carried in digital rather than analog form―a series of 0s or 1s are written upon the spinning hard drive. Today, most hard drive readout devices do not work on the principle of induction but use a technique known as giant magnetoresistance—the discovery that weak changes in a magnetic field in a thin film of iron and chromium could bring about much larger changes in electrical resistance was one of the first large successes of nanotechnology. Another application of induction is found on the magnetic stripe on the back of your personal credit card as used at the grocery store or the ATM machine. This works on the same principle as the audio or video tape mentioned in the last paragraph, in which a head reads personal information from your card.
Another application of electromagnetic induction is when electrical signals need to be transmitted across a barrier. Consider the cochlear implant shown below. Sound is picked up by a microphone on the outside of the skull and is used to set up a varying magnetic field. A current is induced in a receiver secured in the bone beneath the skin and transmitted to electrodes in the inner ear. Electromagnetic induction can be used in other instances where electric signals need to be conveyed across various media.
Another contemporary area of research in which electromagnetic induction is being successfully implemented with substantial potential is transcranial magnetic stimulation. In transcranial magnetic stimulation, a rapidly varying and very localized magnetic field is placed close to certain sites identified in the brain. Weak electric currents are induced in the identified sites and can result in recovery of electrical functioning in the brain tissue.
Sleep apnea (the cessation of breath) affects both adults and infants, especially premature babies, and it may be a cause of sudden infant deaths (SID). In such individuals, breath can stop repeatedly during their sleep. A cessation of more than 20 seconds can be very dangerous. Stroke, heart failure, and tiredness are just some of the possible consequences for a person having sleep apnea. The concern in infants is the stopping of breath for these longer times. One type of monitor to alert parents when a child is not breathing uses electromagnetic induction. A wire wrapped around the infant’s chest has an alternating current running through it. The expansion and contraction of the infant’s chest as the infant breathes changes the area through the coil. A pickup coil located nearby has an alternating current induced in it due to the changing magnetic field of the initial wire. If the child stops breathing, there will be a change in the induced current, and so a parent can be alerted.
Making Connections: Conservation of Energy
Lenz’s law is a manifestation of the conservation of energy. The induced emf produces a current that opposes the change in flux, because a change in flux means a change in energy. Energy can enter or leave, but not instantaneously. Lenz’s law is a consequence. As the change begins, the law says induction opposes and, thus, slows the change. In fact, if the induced emf were in the same direction as the change in flux, there would be a positive feedback that would give us free energy from no apparent source—conservation of energy would be violated.
Example 6.1 Calculating Emf: How Great Is the Induced Emf?
Calculate the magnitude of the induced emf when the magnet in Figure 6.7(a) is thrust into the coil, given the following information: the single loop coil has a radius of 6.00 cm and the average value of (this is given, since the bar magnet’s field is complex) increases from 0.0500 T to 0.250 T in 0.100 s.
Strategy
To find the magnitude of emf, we use Faraday’s law of induction as stated by but without the minus sign that indicates direction.
Solution
We are given that and but we must determine the change in flux before we can find emf. Since the area of the loop is fixed, we see that
Now since it was given that changes from 0.0500 to 0.250 T. The area of the loop is Thus,
Entering the determined values into the expression for emf gives
Discussion
While this is an easily measured voltage, it is certainly not large enough for most practical applications. More loops in the coil, a stronger magnet, and faster movement make induction the practical source of voltages that it is.
PhET Explorations: Faraday's Electromagnetic Lab
Play with a bar magnet and coils to learn about Faraday's law. Move a bar magnet near one or two coils to make a light bulb glow. View the magnetic field lines. A meter shows the direction and magnitude of the current. View the magnetic field lines or use a meter to show the direction and magnitude of the current. You can also play with electromagnets, generators, and transformers!