What is Electrical Induction?

Electricity. Definitions

The term electricity, as we have learned from studying various parts of physics, is difficult to define with
one all-encompassing definition. Scholars and scientists often disagree as to the true meaning of the
term. To illustrate the range of definitions that exist, we have included several different ones.

1. Scientists' Definition. Electricity solely refers to the electrons and protons; in essence, the electric
charge of an object.

2. Everyday Definition. Electricity is the electromagnetic field energy transmitted by batteries and
generators.

3. Elementary school Definition. Electricity is the flowing motion produced by an electric charge.

4. Working Definition. Electricity is the amount of imbalance between quantities of electrons and
protons.

And, some additional less commonly used definitions include:

5. The flowing motion of electrical energy.

6. The electrical potential (e-field).

7. Simply a field of science.

Based upon such a broad selection of definitions, it is difficult to discern the true meaning of the term
electrical, which complicates the process of forming a definition for electrical induction.

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Induction. Definition

This then, brings us to determining the definition of induction. According to Merriam-Webster, induction
is "the process by which an electrical conductor becomes electrified when near a charged body, by
which a magnetizable body becomes magnetized when in a magnetic field or in the magnetic flux set up
by a magnetomotive force, or by which an electromotive force is produced in a circuit by varying the
magnetic field linked with the circuit."

By combining the definitions for "electrical" and "induction," we can derive a definition along the
following lines: A changing magnetic field results in a potential difference (commonly known as voltage)
in a conductor.

While a stationary magnetic field will have no effect on a wire or current-loop, a moving or changing
magnetic field will generate an electric current in a current low, or a voltage traveling across the ends of
a current loop. Essentially known as electromagnetic induction, the current or voltage is called an
induced current or an induced voltage.

Electrical Induction. Operating Principle

Electromagnetic Induction is the governing principle that is used to explain how electric generators (also
called alternators), microphones, electric guitars, and transformers operate.

The current contained in the conductor is said to alternate because its current flows back and forth, as a
result of the conductor being first raised and then lowered in the magnetic field. In short, currents help
to create magnetic fields.

A moving or changing magnetic field does produce a current in a current loop or a voltage across the
ends of a current loop. This is called electromagnetic induction and the current or voltage is called an
induced current or an induced voltage.

Electrical Induction. History

One of the most important advances in the scientific arena, the discovery of electromagnetic induction
was described by Michael Faraday in 1831. Officially, he was the first scientist and mathematician to
document his findings after conducting a series of tests on a coil he made by wrapping a paper cylinder
with wire.

When he connected the coil to a galvanometer and then moved the magnet back and forth inside the
cylinder, Faraday reported that the size of the voltage produced within a conductor was proportional to
the rate of change of the magnetic flux (alternating levels of the electrical currents).

Furthermore, Faraday found this statement to be true and applicable regardless of whether the flux
itself varied in strength or the conductor moved through the magnetic field. As previously stated,
electromagnetic induction is the underlying principle that explains the operation of generators and
induction motors, as well as a majority of other electrical machines.

Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that where is the electromotive force (emf) in volts, N
is the number of turns of wire, and Wb is the magnetic flux in Webers.

Further, the German scientist, H.F.E. Lenz, using "Lenz's Law" gives the direction of the induced emf,
thus:

The emf induced in an electric circuit always acts in such a direction that the current it drives around the
circuit opposes the change in magnetic flux that produces the emf.

Electrical Induction. Summary of Central Principles

Therefore, we are able to discern that the magnetic flux is the strength of the magnetic field which runs
through a specific area. In terms of a formula, it is the product of the magnetic field (B), the area (A) that
runs through the angle (a) between the line 90 degrees to the area and the magnetic field lines.
Magnetic flux is represented by the symbol F. For this reason, physicists often state the following
formula as a given: F = B*A*cos(a) and the resulting unit will be Tm2, where T(usually as theta, θ) is the
unit for magnetic field and m2 is the unit for area.

Or in simplified terms, you may prefer to think of the flux as an "air flux" blowing air through a window.
The size of the window (A), the speed of the air (B) and the direction (theta) all determine how much air
comes through the window.

The alternating magnetic flux generates an electromotive force (emf). In turn, this force exerts pressure
upon free electrons in a specific way that produces a current.

Electromagnetic Induction. Modern Applications

After the reciprocal relationship between electricity and magnetism was established, the practical
applications were virtually limitless.

The generator, for one, paved the way to a wide array of innovative, industrial concepts. By changing
mechanical energy into electrical energy, the generator relied upon the basic principle of
electromagnetic induction, that of passing an electrical conductor through a magnetic field.

As previously explained, when one side of a coil passes through the magnetic field, first in one direction
and then in the other direction, an alternating current (magnetic flux) is the end result. This alternator-
type of device is the same one that is used in vehicles to produce a consistent stream of energy.

Additionally, transformers are able to send alternating currents from one electric circuit to another by
means of electromagnet induction. Every neighborhood has a transformer located on a centralized
power pole; this is the conduit for transmitting electricity to all of the individual homes.

For the most part, these types of power transformers transmit power at a consistent frequency. Radio
frequency (rf) transformers operate within the higher frequencies, giving rf generators many industrial
uses.

The radio was one of the original "modern" inventions that applied the science of electromagnetic
waves. Additional contemporary developments include induction heating and induction brazing (a
welding process used in metal fabrication where different metals are soldered together to form one
workable material).

Source

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