Electromagnetic induction is when a changing magnetic field induces a current in a conductor. The force on free electrons in the material depends on the rate of change of the magnetic field. Moving magnets induce current, while stationary magnets do not. Electromagnetic induction is used in practical applications such as guitar pickups and electric generators.
Electromagnetic induction is when a current is induced in a conductor due to a changing external magnetic field. This is the result of the magnetic force on the free electrons in the material. The size of the force depends on how fast the magnetic field changes. If this is the result of a moving magnet, then the force is proportional to how fast the magnet is moving. Stationary or constant magnetic fields do not induce current.
When an electric current flows through a conductive object, such as a wire, a magnetic field is created. This magnetic field is created around the wire and its strength depends on the amount of current. The opposite of this phenomenon is electromagnetic induction, where a current is induced in a wire or other conducting material by a changing magnetic field.
One of the most important things to remember about electromagnetic induction is that it can only be caused by a changing magnetic field. If a person moves a magnet towards a wire, a current is created in a certain direction. Moving the magnet away from the wire induces a current in the opposite direction. If the magnet is stationary near the wire, however, no current is induced.
Electromagnetic induction is possible due to electrons in wire or other conductive material. When the magnet is moved, the associated magnetic field moves with it. The free electrons in the wire, which are negatively charged, feel a force from the magnet causing them to flow. In mathematical terms, the size of the force on the electrons is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic field. This is why stationary magnets do not induce a current, because in this situation the rate of change is zero.
If a magnet is moved in one direction towards a wire, current will flow in one direction. This is known as direct current (DC). Alternating current (AC), however, is often more useful and is the type of current used in modern electrical grids. To induce an alternating current, a magnet can be moved towards and away from the conductor in a cyclical motion.
There are a number of practical applications for electromagnetic induction. Guitar pickups, for example, sometimes use electromagnetic induction to sense vibrations and transform them into electric current. Other applications include induction motors, electric generators and induction cookers.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
