Applications of EM Induction (AQA A Level Physics)
Revision Note
Moving Conductors in a Magnetic Field
Similar to a coil or a solenoid, a straight conducting rod moving through a magnetic field will also have an e.m.f induced in it
This is only when the conductor moves perpendicular to the magnetic field lines where it cuts through the magnetic flux lines
Conducting rod moving perpendicular to a magnetic field directed into the page
The conducting rod has a length L and moves through a uniform magnetic field with flux density B at a constant velocity v
The distance travelled by the conductor is:
s = vΔt
Where:
s = distance travelled (m)
v = velocity (m s-1)
Δt = time interval (s)
Therefore, the area A of the magnetic flux that it cuts through is:
A = LvΔt
The total flux the conductor cuts through is:
ΔΦ = BA = BLvΔt
Faraday's law gives the e.m.f induced:
Where for the conductor, N = 1
Substituting the change in magnetic flux ΔΦ into the e.m.f equation:
Therefore, the induced e.m.f in the conductor as it moves through the magnetic field is:
ε = BLv
This equation shows that the e.m.f induced increases if:
A longer conductor is in the field
The magnetic field strength is larger
The conductor cuts through the field lines faster
Worked Example
An aeroplane with a wingspan of 34.5 m flies at a speed 253 m s-1 perpendicular to the Earth's magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic field at the aeroplane's location has a strength of 0.06 mT.
Calculate the induced e.m.f between the wing tips.
Answer:
Step 1: Write down the known quantities
Length, L = 34.5 m
Velocity, v = 253 m s-1
Magnetic field strength, B = 0.06 mT = 0.06 × 10-3 T
Step 2: Write down the e.m.f equation
ε = BLv
Step 3: Substitute in the values
ε = (0.06 × 10-3) × 34.5 × 253 = 0.52371 = 0.52 V
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Although calculations about a straight conductor moving through a magnetic field are common, the exam questions can be in other contexts.For example, the wing of an aeroplane moving through the Earth's magnetic field like in the worked example. If this is the case, treat the situation like the straight conductor and use the same equations
EMF Induced in a Rotating Coil
When a coil rotates in a uniform magnetic field, the flux through the coil will vary as it rotates
Since e.m.f is the rate of change of flux linkage, this means the e.m.f will also change as it rotates
The maximum e.m.f is when the coil cuts through the most field lines
The e.m.f induced is an alternating voltage
The maximum e.m.f is when the coil cuts through the field lines when they are parallel to the plane of the coil
This means that the e.m.f is:
Maximum when θ = 90o. The magnetic field lines are parallel to the plane of the area (or the normal to the area is perpendicular to the field lines)
0 when θ = 0o. The magnetic fields lines are perpendicular to the plane of the area (or the normal to the area is parallel to the field lines)
Note that this is the opposite of the maximum and minimum flux through the coil
The e.m.f and flux linkage are 90° out of phase
The flux linkage can also be written as:
NΦ = BAN cos(ωt)
Where the angle θ depends on the angular speed of the coil, ω:
θ = ωt
The induced e.m.f, ε from Faraday's Law depends on the rate of change of flux linkage, which means it can also be written as:
ε = BANω sin(ωt)
Where:
ε = e.m.f induced in the coil (V)
B = magnetic flux density (T)
A = cross-sectional area of the coil (m2)
ω = angular speed of the coil (rad s-1)
t = time (s)
The equation shows that the e.m.f varies sinusoidally and it is 90° out of phase with the flux linkage
Worked Example
A rectangular coil was 40 turns, each with an area of 0.5 m2 is rotated at 42 rad s-1 in a uniform 3.15 mT magnetic field.
Calculate the maximum e.m.f induced in the coil.
Answer:
Step 1: Write the known quantities
Number of turns, N = 40
Area, A = 0.5 m2
Angular velocity, ω = 42 rad s-1
Magnetic flux density, B = 3.15 mT = 3.15 × 10-3 T
Step 2: Write down the e.m.f equation
ε = BANω sin(ωt)
Step 3: Determine when the maximum e.m.f will be
The maximum e.m.f occurs when sin(ωt) = ±1, or when the coil is parallel to the magnetic field
Step 4: Substitute in the values
ε = (3.15 × 10-3) × 0.5 × 40 × 42 × ±1 = ± 2.6 V
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember not to get mixed up with when the e.m.f or the flux linkage is at their maximum:
When the plane of the coil is perpendicular to the field lines
The flux linkage is at its maximum
The e.m.f = 0
When the plane of the coil is parallel to the field lines
The flux linkage is 0
the e.m.f is at its maximum
Since ω is in units of rads s-1, make sure your calculator is in radians mode before doing entering any values into sin(ωt) or cos(ωt)
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