6.2 Use Lenz’s law to determine the direction of induced current in the situations described by Fig. 6.16: (a) A wire of irregular shape turning into a circular shape; 175 Reprint 2025-26 Physics (b) A circular loop being deformed into a narrow straight wire. FIGURE 6.16 6.3 A long solenoid with 15 turns per cm has a small loop of area 2.0 cm2 placed inside the solenoid normal to its axis. If the current carried by the solenoid changes steadily from 2.0 A to 4.0 A in 0.1 s, what is the induced emf in the loop while the current is changing? 6.4 A rectangular wire loop of sides 8 cm and 2 cm with a small cut is moving out of a region of uniform magnetic field of magnitude 0.3 T directed normal to the loop. What is the emf developed across the cut if the velocity of the loop is 1 cm s–1 in a direction normal to the (a) longer side, (b) shorter side of the loop? For how long does the induced voltage last in each case? 6.5 A 1.0 m long metallic rod is rotated with an angular frequency of 400 rad s–1 about an axis normal to the rod passing through its one end. The other end of the rod is in contact with a circular metallic ring. A constant and uniform magnetic field of 0.5 T parallel to the axis exists everywhere. Calculate the emf developed between the centre and the ring. 6.6 A horizontal straight wire 10 m long extending from east to west is falling with a speed of 5.0 m s–1, at right angles to the horizontal component of the earth’s magnetic field, 0.30 ´ 10–4 Wb m–2. (a) What is the instantaneous value of the emf induced in the wire? (b) What is the direction of the emf? (c) Which end of the wire is at the higher electrical potential? 6.7 Current in a circuit falls from 5.0 A to 0.0 A in 0.1 s. If an average emf of 200 V induced, give an estimate of the self-inductance of the circuit. 6.8 A pair of adjacent coils has a mutual inductance of 1.5 H. If the current in one coil changes from 0 to 20 A in 0.5 s, what is the change of flux linkage with the other coil? Reprint 2025-26 Chapter Seven ALTERNATING CURRENT 7.1 INTRODUCTION We have so far considered direct current (dc) sources and circuits with dc sources. These currents do not change direction with time. But voltages and currents that vary with time are very common. The electric mains supply in our homes and offices is a voltage that varies like a sine function with time. Such a voltage is called alternating voltage (ac voltage) and the current driven by it in a circuit is called the alternating current (ac current)*. Today, most of the electrical devices we use require ac voltage. This is mainly because most of the electrical energy sold by power companies is transmitted and distributed as alternating current. The main reason for preferring use of ac voltage over dc voltage is that ac voltages can be easily and efficiently converted from one voltage to the other by means of transformers. Further, electrical energy can also be transmitted economically over long distances. AC circuits exhibit characteristics which are exploited in many devices of daily use. For example, whenever we tune our radio to a favourite station, we are taking advantage of a special property of ac circuits – one of many that you will study in this chapter. * The phrases ac voltage and ac current are contradictory and redundant, respectively, since they mean, literally, alternating current voltage and alternating current current. Still, the abbreviation ac to designate an electrical quantity displaying simple harmonic time dependance has become so universally accepted that we follow others in its use. Further, voltage – another phrase commonly used means potential difference between two points. Reprint 2025-26 Physics 7.2 AC VOLTAGE APPLIED TO A RESISTOR Figure 7.1 shows a resistor connected to a source ε of ac voltage. The symbol for an ac source in a circuit diagram is . We consider a source which produces sinusoidally varying potential difference across its terminals. Let this potential difference, also called ac voltage, be given by v = vm sin ωt (7.1) where vm is the amplitude of the oscillating potential difference and ω is its angular frequency. Nicola Tesla (1856 – 1943) Serbian-American scientist, inventor and genius. He conceived the idea of the rotating1943) magnetic field, which is the – basis of practically all alternating current machinery, and which(1856 helped usher in the age of FIGURE 7.1 AC voltage applied to a resistor. electric power. He also invented among other To find the value of current through the resistor, we things the induction motor, ε()t = 0 (refer to Section the polyphase system of ac apply Kirchhoff’s loop rule ∑TESLA power, and the high 3.12), to the circuit shown in Fig. 7.1 to get frequency induction coil v m sin ωt = i R (the Tesla coil) used in radio and television sets and v m i = sin ωtNICOLA other electronic equipment. or R The SI unit of magnetic field is named in his honour. Since R is a constant, we can write this equation as i = i m sin ωt (7.2) where the current amplitude im is given by v m i m = (7.3) R Equation (7.3) is Ohm’s law, which for resistors, works equally well for both ac and dc voltages. The voltage across a pure resistor and the current through it, given by Eqs. (7.1) and (7.2) are plotted as a function of time in Fig. 7.2. Note, in particular that both v and i reach zero, minimum and maximum values at the same time. Clearly, the voltage and current are in phase with FIGURE 7.2 In a pure resistor, the voltage and each other. current are in phase. The We see that, like the applied voltage, the current varies minima, zero and maxima sinusoidally and has corresponding positive and negative values occur at the same during each cycle. Thus, the sum of the instantaneous current respective times. values over one complete cycle is zero, and the average current 178 is zero. The fact that the average current is zero, however, does Reprint 2025-26 Alternating Current not mean that the average power consumed is zero and that there is no dissipation of electrical energy. As you know, Joule heating is given by i2R and depends on i2 (which is always positive whether i is positive or negative) and not on i. Thus, there is Joule heating and dissipation of electrical energy when an ac current passes through a resistor. The instantaneous power dissipated in the resistor is p = i 2 R = i m2 R sin 2 ωt (7.4) The average value of p over a cycle is* p = < i 2 R > = < i m2 R sin 2 ωt > [7.5(a)] where the bar over a letter (here, p) denotes its average George Westinghouse value and <......> denotes taking average of the quantity (1846 – 1914) A leading inside the bracket. Since, i2m and R are constants, proponent of the use of p = i m2 R < sin 2 ωt > [7.5(b)] alternating current overUsing the trigonometric identity, sin2 wt = direct current. Thus, GEORGE he came into conflict 1/2 (1– cos 2wt), we have < sin2 wt > = (1/2) (1– < cos 2wt >) with Thomas Alva Edison, and since < cos2wt > = 0**, we have, an advocate of direct 2 1 current. Westinghouse < sin ωt > = was convinced that the 2 technology of alternating Thus, current was the key to 1 2 the electrical future. p = i m R [7.5(c)] He founded the famous 2 Company named after him WESTINGHOUSE To express ac power in the same form as dc power and enlisted the services (P = I2R), a special value of current is defined and used. of Nicola Tesla and It is called, root mean square (rms) or effective current other inventors in the (1846(Fig. 7.3) and is denoted by Irms or I. development of alternating current motors and – apparatus for the transmission of high tension current, pioneering 1914) in large scale lighting. FIGURE 7.3 The rms current I is related to the peak current im by I = mi / 2 = 0.707 im. 1 T F (t ) d t* The average value of a function F (t) over a period T is given by F (t ) = T ∫0 1 T 1  sin 2ωt  T 1 < cos 2ωt > = ∫ cos 2ω t dt = = [ sin 2ω T − 0 ] = 0** T 0 T  2ω  0 2ωT 179 Reprint 2025-26 Physics It is defined by 2 1 2 i m I = i = i m = 2 2 = 0.707 im (7.6) In terms of I, the average power, denoted by P is 1 2 2 P = p = i m R = I R (7.7) 2 Similarly, we define the rms voltage or effective voltage by v m V = = 0.707 vm (7.8) 2 From Eq. (7.3), we have vm = imR v m i m or, = R 2 2 or, V = IR (7.9) Equation (7.9) gives the relation between ac current and ac voltage and is similar to that in the dc case. This shows the advantage of introducing the concept of rms values. In terms of rms values, the equation for power [Eq. (7.7)] and relation between current and voltage in ac circuits are essentially the same as those for the dc case. It is customary to measure and specify rms values for ac quantities. For example, the household line voltage of 220 V is an rms value with a peak voltage of vm = 2 V = (1.414)(220 V) = 311 V In fact, the I or rms current is the equivalent dc current that would produce the same average power loss as the alternating current. Equation (7.7) can also be written as P = V2 / R = I V (since V = I R) Example 7.1 A light bulb is rated at 100W for a 220 V supply. Find (a) the resistance of the bulb; (b) the peak voltage of the source; and (c) the rms current through the bulb. Solution (a) We are given P = 100 W and V = 220 V. The resistance of the bulb is 2 V 2 ( 220 V ) R = = = 484 Ω P 100 W (b) The peak voltage of the source is V 7.1 v m = 2V = 311 (c) Since, P = I V P 100 W I 0.454A EXAMPLE V 220 V Reprint 2025-26 Alternating Current

6.4 FARADAY’S LAW OF INDUCTION From the experimental observations, Faraday arrived at a conclusion that an emf is induced in a coil when magnetic flux through the coil changes with time. Experimental observations discussed in Section 6.2 can be explained using this concept. The motion of a magnet towards or away from coil C1 in Experiment 6.1 and moving a current-carrying coil C2 towards or away from coil C1 in Experiment 6.2, change the magnetic flux associated with coil C1. The change in magnetic flux induces emf in coil C1. It was this induced emf which caused electric current to flow in coil C1 and through the galvanometer. A FIGURE 6.5 Magnetic field Bi plausible explanation for the observations of Experiment 6.3 is at the ith area element. dAi represents area vector of theas follows: When the tapping key K is pressed, the current in ith area element. coil C2 (and the resulting magnetic field) rises from zero to a maximum value in a short time. Consequently, the magnetic flux through the neighbouring coil C1 also increases. It is the change in magnetic flux through coil C1 that produces an induced emf in coil C1. When the key is held pressed, current in coil C2 is constant. Therefore, there is no change in the magnetic flux through coil C1 and the current in coil C1 drops to zero. When the key is released, the current in C2 and the resulting magnetic field decreases from the maximum value to zero in a short time. This results in a decrease in magnetic flux through coil C1 and hence again induces an electric current in coil C1*. The common point in all these observations is that the time rate of change of magnetic flux through a circuit induces emf in it. Faraday stated experimental observations in the form of a law called Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. The law is stated below. * Note that sensitive electrical instruments in the vicinity of an electromagnet can be damaged due to the induced emfs (and the resulting currents) when the electromagnet is turned on or off. 157 Reprint 2025-26 Physics The magnitude of the induced emf in a circuit is equal to the time rate of change of magnetic flux through the circuit. Mathematically, the induced emf is given by dΦB ε = – (6.3) d t The negative sign indicates the direction of e and hence the direction of current in a closed loop. This will be discussed in detail in the next section. In the case of a closely wound coil of N turns, change of flux associated with each turn, is the same. Therefore, Michael Faraday [1791– the expression for the total induced emf is given by 1867] Faraday made numerous contributions to dΦB ε = – N (6.4)(1791–1867) science, viz., the discovery d t of electromagnetic induction, the laws of The induced emf can be increased by increasing the electrolysis, benzene, and number of turns N of a closed coil. the fact that the plane of From Eqs. (6.1) and (6.2), we see that the flux can be polarisation is rotated in an varied by changing any one or more of the terms B, A andFARADAY electric field. He is also credited with the invention q. In Experiments 6.1 and 6.2 in Section 6.2, the flux is of the electric motor, the changed by varying B. The flux can also be altered by electric generator and the changing the shape of a coil (that is, by shrinking it or transformer. He is widely stretching it) in a magnetic field, or rotating a coil in a regarded as the greatest magnetic field such that the angle q between B and AMICHAEL experimental scientist of changes. In these cases too, an emf is induced in the the nineteenth century. respective coils. Example 6.1 Consider Experiment 6.2. (a) What would you do to obtain a large deflection of the galvanometer? (b) How would you demonstrate the presence of an induced current in the absence of a galvanometer? Solution (a) To obtain a large deflection, one or more of the following steps can be taken: (i) Use a rod made of soft iron inside the coil C2, (ii) Connect the coil to a powerful battery, and (iii) Move the arrangement rapidly towards the test coil C1. (b) Replace the galvanometer by a small bulb, the kind one finds in a 6.1 small torch light. The relative motion between the two coils will cause the bulb to glow and thus demonstrate the presence of an induced current. In experimental physics one must learn to innovate. Michael Faraday who is ranked as one of the best experimentalists ever, was legendary EXAMPLE for his innovative skills. 6.2 Example 6.2 A square loop of side 10 cm and resistance 0.5 W is placed vertically in the east-west plane. A uniform magnetic field of 0.10 T is set up across the plane in the north-east direction. The magnetic field is decreased to zero in 0.70 s at a steady rate. Determine EXAMPLE the magnitudes of induced emf and current during this time-interval.158 Reprint 2025-26 Electromagnetic Induction Solution The angle q made by the area vector of the coil with the magnetic field is 45°. From Eq. (6.1), the initial magnetic flux is F = BA cos q 0.1 × 10 –2 = Wb 2 Final flux, Fmin = 0 The change in flux is brought about in 0.70 s. From Eq. (6.3), the magnitude of the induced emf is given by –3 ∆ΦB (Φ – 0 ) 10 ε = = = = 1.0 mV ∆ t ∆ t 2 × 0.7 And the magnitude of the current is ε 10 –3 V I = = = 2 mA R 0.5 Ω Note that the earth’s magnetic field also produces a flux through the EXAMPLE loop. But it is a steady field (which does not change within the time span of the experiment) and hence does not induce any emf. 6.2 Example 6.3 A circular coil of radius 10 cm, 500 turns and resistance 2 W is placed with its plane perpendicular to the horizontal component of the earth’s magnetic field. It is rotated about its vertical diameter through 180° in 0.25 s. Estimate the magnitudes of the emf and current induced in the coil. Horizontal component of the earth’s magnetic field at the place is 3.0 × 10–5 T. Solution Initial flux through the coil, FB (initial) = BA cos q = 3.0 × 10–5 × (p ×10–2) × cos 0° = 3p × 10–7 Wb Final flux after the rotation, FB (final) = 3.0 × 10–5 × (p ×10–2) × cos 180° = –3p × 10–7 Wb Therefore, estimated value of the induced emf is, ∆Φ ε = N ∆t = 500 × (6p × 10–7)/0.25 = 3.8 × 10–3 V I = e/R = 1.9 × 10–3 A Note that the magnitudes of e and I are the estimated values. Their EXAMPLE instantaneous values are different and depend upon the speed of rotation at the particular instant. 6.3 159 Reprint 2025-26 Physics 6.5 LENZ’S LAW AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY In 1834, German physicist Heinrich Friedrich Lenz (1804-1865) deduced a rule, known as Lenz’s law which gives the polarity of the induced emf in a clear and concise fashion. The statement of the law is: The polarity of induced emf is such that it tends to produce a current which opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it. The negative sign shown in Eq. (6.3) represents this effect. We can understand Lenz’s law by examining Experiment 6.1 in Section 6.2.1. In Fig. 6.1, we see that the North-pole of a bar magnet is being pushed towards the closed coil. As the North-pole of the bar magnet moves towards the coil, the magnetic flux through the coil increases. Hence current is induced in the coil in such a direction that it opposes the increase in flux. This is possible only if the current in the coil is in a counter-clockwise direction with respect to an observer situated on the side of the magnet. Note that magnetic moment associated with this current has North polarity towards the North-pole of the approaching magnet. Similarly, if the North- pole of the magnet is being withdrawn from the coil, the magnetic flux through the coil will decrease. To counter this decrease in magnetic flux, the induced current in the coil flows in clockwise direction and its South- pole faces the receding North-pole of the bar magnet. This would result in an attractive force which opposes the motion of the magnet and the corresponding decrease in flux. What will happen if an open circuit is used in place of the closed loop in the above example? In this case too, an emf is induced across the open ends of the circuit. The direction of the induced emf can be found using Lenz’s law. Consider Figs. 6.6 (a) and (b). They provide an easier way to understand the direction of induced currents. Note that the direction shown by and indicate the directions of the induced currents. A little reflection on this matter should convince us on the correctness of Lenz’s law. Suppose that the induced current was in the direction opposite to the one depicted in Fig. 6.6(a). In that case, the South-pole due to the induced current will face the approaching North-pole of the magnet. The bar magnet will then be attracted towards the coil at an ever increasing acceleration. A gentle push on the magnet will initiate the process and its velocity and kinetic energy will continuously increase without expending any energy. If this can happen, one could construct a perpetual-motion machine by a suitable arrangement. This violates the law of conservation of energy and hence can not happen. FIGURE 6.6 Now consider the correct case shown in Fig. 6.6(a). In this situation, Illustration of the bar magnet experiences a repulsive force due to the induced Lenz’s law. current. Therefore, a person has to do work in moving the magnet. Where does the energy spent by the person go? This energy is 160 dissipated by Joule heating produced by the induced current. Reprint 2025-26 Electromagnetic Induction Example 6.4 Figure 6.7 shows planar loops of different shapes moving out of or into a region of a magnetic field which is directed normal to the plane of the loop away from the reader. Determine the direction of induced current in each loop using Lenz’s law. FIGURE 6.7 Solution (i) The magnetic flux through the rectangular loop abcd increases, due to the motion of the loop into the region of magnetic field, The induced current must flow along the path bcdab so that it opposes the increasing flux. (ii) Due to the outward motion, magnetic flux through the triangular loop abc decreases due to which the induced current flows along bacb, so as to oppose the change in flux. (iii) As the magnetic flux decreases due to motion of the irregular shaped loop abcd out of the region of magnetic field, the induced current flows along cdabc, so as to oppose change in flux. EXAMPLE Note that there are no induced current as long as the loops are 6.4 completely inside or outside the region of the magnetic field. Example 6.5 (a) A closed loop is held stationary in the magnetic field between the north and south poles of two permanent magnets held fixed. Can we hope to generate current in the loop by using very strong magnets? (b) A closed loop moves normal to the constant electric field between the plates of a large capacitor. Is a current induced in the loop (i) when it is wholly inside the region between the capacitor plates (ii) when it is partially outside the plates of the capacitor? The electric field is normal to the plane of the loop. (c) A rectangular loop and a circular loop are moving out of a uniform magnetic field region (Fig. 6.8) to a field-free region with a constant velocity v. In which loop do you expect the induced emf to be EXAMPLE during constant the passage out of the field region? The field is 6.5 normal to the loops. 161 Reprint 2025-26 Physics FIGURE 6.8 (d) Predict the polarity of the capacitor in the situation described by Fig. 6.9. FIGURE 6.9 Solution (a) No. However strong the magnet may be, current can be induced only by changing the magnetic flux through the loop. (b) No current is induced in either case. Current can not be induced by changing the electric flux. 6.5 (c) The induced emf is expected to be constant only in the case of the rectangular loop. In the case of circular loop, the rate of change of area of the loop during its passage out of the field region is not constant, hence induced emf will vary accordingly. (d) The polarity of plate ‘A’ will be positive with respect to plate ‘B’ in EXAMPLE the capacitor. 6.6 MOTIONAL ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE Let us consider a straight conductor moving in a uniform and time- independent magnetic field. Figure 6.10 shows a rectangular conductor PQRS in which the conductor PQ is free to move. The rod PQ is moved towards the left with a constant velocity v as shown in the figure. Assume that there is no loss of energy due to friction. PQRS forms a closed circuit enclosing an area that changes as PQ moves. It is placed in a uniform magnetic field B which is perpendicular to the plane of this system. If the length RQ = x and RS = l, the magnetic flux FB enclosed by the loop PQRS will be FB = Blx Since x is changing with time, the rate of change of flux FB will induce an emf given by: FIGURE 6.10 The arm PQ is moved to the left – dΦB d side, thus decreasing the area of the ε= = – ( Blx ) d t d t rectangular loop. This movement induces a current I as shown. d x 162 = – Bl = Blv (6.5) d t Reprint 2025-26 Electromagnetic Induction where we have used dx/dt = –v which is the speed of the conductor PQ. The induced emf Blv is called motional emf. Thus, we are able to produce induced emf by moving a conductor instead of varying the magnetic field, that is, by changing the magnetic flux enclosed by the circuit. It is also possible to explain the motional emf expression in Eq. (6.5) by invoking the Lorentz force acting on the free charge carriers of conductor PQ. Consider any arbitrary charge q in the conductor PQ. When the rod moves with speed v, the charge will also be moving with speed v in the magnetic field B. The Lorentz force on this charge is qvB in magnitude, and its direction is towards Q. All charges experience the same force, in magnitude and direction, irrespective of their position in the rod PQ. The work done in moving the charge from P to Q is, W = qvBl Since emf is the work done per unit charge, W ε = q = Blv This equation gives emf induced across the rod PQ and is identical to Eq. (6.5). We stress that our presentation is not wholly rigorous. But it does help us to understand the basis of Faraday’s law when the conductor is moving in a uniform and time-independent magnetic field. On the other hand, it is not obvious how an emf is induced when a conductor is stationary and the magnetic field is changing – a fact which Faraday verified by numerous experiments. In the case of a stationary conductor, the force on its charges is given by F = q (E + v ´ B) = qE (6.6) since v = 0. Thus, any force on the charge must arise from the electric field term E alone. Therefore, to explain the existence of induced emf or induced current, we must assume that a time-varying magnetic field generates an electric field. However, we hasten to add that electric fields produced by static electric charges have properties different from those produced by time-varying magnetic fields. In Chapter 4, we learnt that charges in motion (current) can exert force/torque on a stationary magnet. Conversely, a bar magnet in motion (or more generally, a changing magnetic field) can exert a force on the stationary charge. This is the fundamental significance of the Faraday’s discovery. Electricity and magnetism are related. Example 6.6 A metallic rod of 1 m length is rotated with a frequency of 50 rev/s, with one end hinged at the centre and the other end at the circumference of a circular metallic ring of radius 1 m, about an axis passing through the centre and perpendicular to the plane of the ring (Fig. 6.11). A constant and uniform magnetic field of 1 T parallel to the EXAMPLE axis is present everywhere. What is the emf between the centre and the metallic ring? 6.6 163 Reprint 2025-26 Physics FIGURE 6.11 Solution Method I As the rod is rotated, free electrons in the rod move towards the outer end due to Lorentz force and get distributed over the ring. Thus, the resulting separation of charges produces an emf across the ends of the rod. At a certain value of emf, there is no more flow of electrons and a steady state is reached. Using Eq. (6.5), the magnitude of the emf generated across a length dr of the rod as it moves at right angles to the magnetic field is given by dε = Bv dr . Hence, R R B ωR 2 ωr d r = Bv d r = ∫B ε =∫ d ε = ∫ 2 0 0 Note that we have used v = w r. This gives 1 2 e = × 1.0 × 2 π × 50 × (1 ) 2 = 157 V Method II To calculate the emf, we can imagine a closed loop OPQ in which point O and P are connected with a resistor R and OQ is the rotating rod. The potential difference across the resistor is then equal to the induced emf and equals B × (rate of change of area of loop). If q is the angle between the rod and the radius of the circle at P at time t, the area of the sector OPQ is given by 2 θ 1 2 π R × = R θ 2 π 2 where R is the radius of the circle. Hence, the induced emf is d  1  1 2 dθ BωR 2 e = B × R 2θ = BR = d t  2  2 d t 2 6.6 dθ [Note: = ω = 2 π ν] dt This expression is identical to the expression obtained by Method I EXAMPLE and we get the same value of e. Reprint 2025-26 Electromagnetic Induction Example 6.7 A wheel with 10 metallic spokes each 0.5 m long is rotated with a speed of 120 rev/min in a plane normal to the horizontal component of earth’s magnetic field HE at a place. If HE = 0.4 G at the place, what is the induced emf between the axle and the rim of the wheel? Note that 1 G = 10–4 T. Solution Induced emf = (1/2) ω B R2 = (1/2) × 4π × 0.4 × 10–4 × (0.5)2 = 6.28 × 10–5 V EXAMPLE The number of spokes is immaterial because the emf’s across the 6.7 spokes are in parallel.

6.7 INDUCTANCE An electric current can be induced in a coil by flux change produced by another coil in its vicinity or flux change produced by the same coil. These two situations are described separately in the next two sub-sections. However, in both the cases, the flux through a coil is proportional to the current. That is, ΦB α I. Further, if the geometry of the coil does not vary with time then, dΦB d I ∝ d t d t For a closely wound coil of N turns, the same magnetic flux is linked with all the turns. When the flux ΦB through the coil changes, each turn contributes to the induced emf. Therefore, a term called flux linkage is used which is equal to NΦB for a closely wound coil and in such a case NΦB∝ I The constant of proportionality, in this relation, is called inductance. We shall see that inductance depends only on the geometry of the coil and intrinsic material properties. This aspect is akin to capacitance which for a parallel plate capacitor depends on the plate area and plate separation (geometry) and the dielectric constant K of the intervening medium (intrinsic material property). Inductance is a scalar quantity. It has the dimensions of [M L2 T–2 A–2] given by the dimensions of flux divided by the dimensions of current. The SI unit of inductance is henry and is denoted by H. It is named in honour of Joseph Henry who discovered electromagnetic induction in USA, independently of Faraday in England. 6.7.1 Mutual inductance Consider Fig. 6.12 which shows two long co-axial solenoids each of length l. We denote the radius of the inner solenoid S1 by r1 and the number of turns per unit length by n1. The corresponding quantities for the outer solenoid S2 are r2 and n2, respectively. Let N1 and N2 be the total number 165 of turns of coils S1 and S2, respectively. Reprint 2025-26 Physics When a current I2 is set up through S2, it in turn sets up a magnetic flux through S1. Let us denote it by Φ1. The corresponding flux linkage with solenoid S1 is N1 Φ1 = M 12 I 2 (6.7) M12 is called the mutual inductance of solenoid S1 with respect to solenoid S2. It is also referred to as the coefficient of mutual induction. For these simple co-axial solenoids it is possible to calculate M12. The magnetic field due to the current I2 in S2 is µ0n2I2. The resulting flux linkage with coil S1 is, πr12 N 1Φ1 = ( µ0n 2 I 2 ) n1l ) ( ) ( = µ0n 1n 2 πr12l I 2 (6.8) where n1l is the total number of turns in solenoid S1. FIGURE 6.12 Two long co-axial Thus, from Eq. (6.7) and Eq. (6.8), solenoids of same 2 M12 = µ0n1n2πr 1l (6.9) length l. Note that we neglected the edge effects and considered the magnetic field µ0n2I2 to be uniform throughout the length and width of the solenoid S2. This is a good approximation keeping in mind that the solenoid is long, implying l >> r2. We now consider the reverse case. A current I1 is passed through the solenoid S1 and the flux linkage with coil S2 is, N2Φ2 = M21 I1 (6.10) M21 is called the mutual inductance of solenoid S2 with respect to solenoid S1. The flux due to the current I1 in S1 can be assumed to be confined solely inside S1 since the solenoids are very long. Thus, flux linkage with solenoid S2 is πr12 N 2Φ2 = ( µ0n1 I1 ) n 2l ) ( ) ( where n2l is the total number of turns of S2. From Eq. (6.10), M21 = µ0n1n2πr 1l2 (6.11) Using Eq. (6.9) and Eq. (6.10), we get M12 = M21= M (say) (6.12) We have demonstrated this equality for long co-axial solenoids. However, the relation is far more general. Note that if the inner solenoid was much shorter than (and placed well inside) the outer solenoid, then we could still have calculated the flux linkage N1Φ1 because the inner solenoid is effectively immersed in a uniform magnetic field due to the outer solenoid. In this case, the calculation of M12 would be easy. However, it would be extremely difficult to calculate the flux linkage with the outer solenoid as the magnetic field due to the inner solenoid would vary across the length as well as cross section of the outer solenoid. Therefore, the calculation of M21 would also be extremely difficult in this case. The 166 equality M12=M21 is very useful in such situations. Reprint 2025-26 Electromagnetic Induction We explained the above example with air as the medium within the solenoids. Instead, if a medium of relative permeability µr had been present, the mutual inductance would be M =µr µ0 n1n2π r21 l It is also important to know that the mutual inductance of a pair of coils, solenoids, etc., depends on their separation as well as their relative orientation. Example 6.8 Two concentric circular coils, one of small radius r1 and the other of large radius r2, such that r1 << r2, are placed co-axially with centres coinciding. Obtain the mutual inductance of the arrangement. Solution Let a current I2 flow through the outer circular coil. The field at the centre of the coil is B2 = µ0I2 / 2r2. Since the other co-axially placed coil has a very small radius, B2 may be considered constant over its cross-sectional area. Hence, Φ1 = πr 1B22 µ0 π r12 = I 2 2r2 = M12 I2 Thus, µ0 πr12 M 12 = 2r2 From Eq. (6.12) µ0 πr12 M 12 = M 21 = 2 r2 Note that we calculated M12 from an approximate value of Φ1, assuming EXAMPLE the magnetic field B2 to be uniform over the area π r12. However, we can accept this value because r1 << r2. 6.8 Now, let us recollect Experiment 6.3 in Section 6.2. In that experiment, emf is induced in coil C1 wherever there was any change in current through coil C2. Let Φ1 be the flux through coil C1 (say of N1 turns) when current in coil C2 is I2. Then, from Eq. (6.7), we have N1Φ1 = MI2 For currents varrying with time, d d ( N 1Φ1 ) ( MI 2 ) = d t d t Since induced emf in coil C1 is given by d N 1Φ1 ) ( ε1 = – d t We get, d I 2 ε1 = – M d t 167 Reprint 2025-26 Physics It shows that varying current in a coil can induce emf in a neighbouring coil. The magnitude of the induced emf depends upon the rate of change of current and mutual inductance of the two coils. 6.7.2 Self-inductance In the previous sub-section, we considered the flux in one solenoid due to the current in the other. It is also possible that emf is induced in a single isolated coil due to change of flux through the coil by means of varying the current through the same coil. This phenomenon is called self-induction. In this case, flux linkage through a coil of N turns is proportional to the current through the coil and is expressed as NΦB ∝ I NΦB = L I (6.13) where constant of proportionality L is called self-inductance of the coil. It is also called the coefficient of self-induction of the coil. When the current is varied, the flux linked with the coil also changes and an emf is induced in the coil. Using Eq. (6.13), the induced emf is given by d ( NΦB ) ε = – dt d I ε = – L (6.14) d t Thus, the self-induced emf always opposes any change (increase or decrease) of current in the coil. It is possible to calculate the self-inductance for circuits with simple geometries. Let us calculate the self-inductance of a long solenoid of cross- sectional area A and length l, having n turns per unit length. The magnetic field due to a current I flowing in the solenoid is B = µ0 n I (neglecting edge effects, as before). The total flux linked with the solenoid is n I A ) NΦB = (nl )(µ0 )( = µ0n2 Al I where nl is the total number of turns. Thus, the self-inductance is, ΝΦΒ L = I = µ0n 2 Al (6.15) If we fill the inside of the solenoid with a material of relative permeability µr (for example soft iron, which has a high value of relative permeability), then, L = µr µ0 n 2 Al (6.16) The self-inductance of the coil depends on its geometry and on the permeability of the medium. The self-induced emf is also called the back emf as it opposes any 168 change in the current in a circuit. Physically, the self-inductance plays Reprint 2025-26 Electromagnetic Induction the role of inertia. It is the electromagnetic analogue of mass in mechanics. So, work needs to be done against the back emf (ε) in establishing the current. This work done is stored as magnetic potential energy. For the current I at an instant in a circuit, the rate of work done is d W = ε I d t If we ignore the resistive losses and consider only inductive effect, then using Eq. (6.14), d W d I = L I d t d t Total amount of work done in establishing the current I is I W = ∫ d W = ∫ L I d I 0 Thus, the energy required to build up the current I is, 1 2 W = LI (6.17) 2 This expression reminds us of mv 2/2 for the (mechanical) kinetic energy of a particle of mass m, and shows that L is analogous to m (i.e., L is electrical inertia and opposes growth and decay of current in the circuit). Consider the general case of currents flowing simultaneously in two nearby coils. The flux linked with one coil will be the sum of two fluxes which exist independently. Equation (6.7) would be modified into N1 Φ1 = M 11 I 1 + M 12 I 2 where M11 represents inductance due to the same coil. Therefore, using Faraday’s law, d I 1 d I 2 ε1 = − M 11 − M 12 d t d t M11 is the self-inductance and is written as L1. Therefore, d I 1 d I 2 ε1 = − L 1 − M 12 d t d t Example 6.9 (a) Obtain the expression for the magnetic energy stored in a solenoid in terms of magnetic field B, area A and length l of the solenoid. (b) How does this magnetic energy compare with the electrostatic energy stored in a capacitor? Solution (a) From Eq. (6.17), the magnetic energy is 1 2 U B = LI 2 2 EXAMPLE 1  B  L = ( since B = µ0 nI , for a solenoid ) 2  µ0 n  6.9 169 Reprint 2025-26 Physics 1 2  B  2 = ( µ0 n Al ) [from Eq. (6.15)] 2  µ0n  1 2 = B Al 2µ0 (b) The magnetic energy per unit volume is, U B u B = (where V is volume that contains flux) V U B = Al B 2 generator: = (6.18) 2µ0 ac We have already obtained the relation for the electrostatic energy on stored per unit volume in a parallel plate capacitor (refer to Chapter 2, Eq. 2.73), 1 2 u Ε = ε0 E (2.73) animation 2 6.9 In both the cases energy is proportional to the square of the field strength. Equations (6.18) and (2.73) have been derived for special cases: a solenoid and a parallel plate capacitor, respectively. But they Interactive http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/java/generator/ac.html are general and valid for any region of space in which a magnetic field EXAMPLE or/and an electric field exist. 6.8 AC GENERATOR The phenomenon of electromagnetic induction has been technologically exploited in many ways. An exceptionally important application is the generation of alternating currents (ac). The modern ac generator with a typical output capacity of 100 MW is a highly evolved machine. In this section, we shall describe the basic principles behind this machine. The Yugoslav inventor Nicola Tesla is credited with the development of the machine. As was pointed out in Section 6.3, one method to induce an emf or current in a loop is through a change in the loop’s orientation or a change in its effective area. As the coil rotates in a magnetic field B, the effective area of the loop (the face perpendicular to the field) is A cos q, where q is the angle between A and B. This method of producing a FIGURE 6.13 AC Generator flux change is the principle of operation of a Reprint 2025-26 Electromagnetic Induction simple ac generator. An ac generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The basic elements of an ac generator are shown in Fig. 6.13. It consists of a coil mounted on a rotor shaft. The axis of rotation of the coil is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field. The coil (called armature) is mechanically rotated in the uniform magnetic field by some external means. The rotation of the coil causes the magnetic flux through it to change, so an emf is induced in the coil. The ends of the coil are connected to an external circuit by means of slip rings and brushes. When the coil is rotated with a constant angular speed w, the angle q between the magnetic field vector B and the area vector A of the coil at any instant t is q = wt (assuming q = 0° at t = 0). As a result, the effective area of the coil exposed to the magnetic field lines changes with time, and from Eq. (6.1), the flux at any time t is FB = BA cos q = BA cos wt From Faraday’s law, the induced emf for the rotating coil of N turns is then, dΦB d ε= – N = – NBA (cos ωt ) dt d t Thus, the instantaneous value of the emf is ε= NBA ωsin ωt (6.19) where NBAw is the maximum value of the emf, which occurs when sin wt = ±1. If we denote NBAw as e0, then e = e0 sin wt (6.20) Since the value of the sine fuction varies between +1 and –1, the sign, or polarity of the emf changes with time. Note from Fig. 6.14 that the emf has its extremum value when q = 90° or q = 270°, as the change of flux is greatest at these points. The direction of the current changes periodically and therefore the current is called alternating current (ac). Since w = 2pn, Eq (6.20) can be written as e = e0sin 2p n t (6.21) where n is the frequency of revolution of the generator’s coil. Note that Eq. (6.20) and (6.21) give the instantaneous value of the emf and e varies between +e0 and –e0 periodically. We shall learn how to determine the time-averaged value for the alternating voltage and current in the next chapter. In commercial generators, the mechanical energy required for rotation of the armature is provided by water falling from a height, for example, from dams. These are called hydro-electric generators. Alternatively, water is heated to produce steam using coal or other sources. The steam at high pressure produces the rotation of the armature. These are called thermal generators. Instead of coal, if a nuclear fuel is used, we get nuclear power generators. Modern day generators produce electric power as high as 500 MW, i.e., one can light 171 Reprint 2025-26 Physics FIGURE 6.14 An alternating emf is generated by a loop of wire rotating in a magnetic field. up 5 million 100 W bulbs! In most generators, the coils are held stationary and it is the electromagnets which are rotated. The frequency of rotation is 50 Hz in India. In certain countries such as USA, it is 60 Hz. Example 6.10 Kamla peddles a stationary bicycle. The pedals of the bicycle are attached to a 100 turn coil of area 0.10 m2. The coil rotates at half a revolution per second and it is placed in a uniform magnetic field of 0.01 T perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the coil. What is the maximum voltage generated in the coil? Solution Here n = 0.5 Hz; N =100, A = 0.1 m2 and B = 0.01 T. Employing Eq. (6.19) e0 = NBA (2 p n) = 100 × 0.01 × 0.1 × 2 × 3.14 × 0.5 = 0.314 V 6.10 The maximum voltage is 0.314 V. We urge you to explore such alternative possibilities for power generation. EXAMPLE Reprint 2025-26 Electromagnetic Induction SUMMARY 1. The magnetic flux through a surface of area A placed in a uniform magnetic field B is defined as, FB = B.A = BA cos q where q is the angle between B and A. 2. Faraday’s laws of induction imply that the emf induced in a coil of N turns is directly related to the rate of change of flux through it, dΦB ε = − N d t Here FB is the flux linked with one turn of the coil. If the circuit is closed, a current I = e/R is set up in it, where R is the resistance of the circuit. 3. Lenz’s law states that the polarity of the induced emf is such that it tends to produce a current which opposes the change in magnetic flux that produces it. The negative sign in the expression for Faraday’s law indicates this fact. 4. When a metal rod of length l is placed normal to a uniform magnetic field B and moved with a velocity v perpendicular to the field, the induced emf (called motional emf) across its ends is e = Bl v 5. Inductance is the ratio of the flux-linkage to current. It is equal to NF/I. 6. A changing current in a coil (coil 2) can induce an emf in a nearby coil (coil 1). This relation is given by, d I 2 ε1 = − M 12 d t The quantity M12 is called mutual inductance of coil 1 with respect to coil 2. One can similarly define M21. There exists a general equality, M12 = M21 7. When a current in a coil changes, it induces a back emf in the same coil. The self-induced emf is given by, d I ε = − L d t L is the self-inductance of the coil. It is a measure of the inertia of the coil against the change of current through it. 8. The self-inductance of a long solenoid, the core of which consists of a magnetic material of relative permeability mr, is given by L = mr m0 n2 Al where A is the area of cross-section of the solenoid, l its length and n the number of turns per unit length. 9. In an ac generator, mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy by virtue of electromagnetic induction. If coil of N turn and area A is rotated at n revolutions per second in a uniform magnetic field B, then the motional emf produced is e = NBA (2pn) sin (2pnt) where we have assumed that at time t = 0 s, the coil is perpendicular to the field. 173 Reprint 2025-26 Physics Quantity Symbol Units Dimensions Equations Magnetic Flux FB Wb (weber) [M L2 T –2 A–1] FB = B i A EMF e V (volt) [M L2 T –3 A–1] e = − d( NΦB )/d t Mutual Inductance M H (henry) [M L2 T –2 A–2] e1 = − M 12 ( dI 2 /d t ) Self Inductance L H (henry) [M L2 T –2 A–2] ε = − L ( d I /d t ) POINTS TO PONDER 1. Electricity and magnetism are intimately related. In the early part of the nineteenth century, the experiments of Oersted, Ampere and others established that moving charges (currents) produce a magnetic field. Somewhat later, around 1830, the experiments of Faraday and Henry demonstrated that a moving magnet can induce electric current. 2. In a closed circuit, electric currents are induced so as to oppose the changing magnetic flux. It is as per the law of conservation of energy. However, in case of an open circuit, an emf is induced across its ends. How is it related to the flux change? 3. The motional emf discussed in Section 6.5 can be argued independently from Faraday’s law using the Lorentz force on moving charges. However, even if the charges are stationary [and the q (v × B) term of the Lorentz force is not operative], an emf is nevertheless induced in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field. Thus, moving charges in static field and static charges in a time-varying field seem to be symmetric situation for Faraday’s law. This gives a tantalising hint on the relevance of the principle of relativity for Faraday’s law. EXERCISES 6.1 Predict the direction of induced current in the situations described by the following Figs. 6.15(a) to (f ). Reprint 2025-26 Electromagnetic Induction FIGURE 6.15