What is electromagnetic induction

Electromagnetic induction is the process by which an electric current, called induced current, is produced in a conductor when it is exposed to a magnetic field that changes with time. This induced current is produced due to the interaction between the magnetic field and the electrons in the conductor.

The phenomenon of electromagnetic induction was discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831, who observed that moving a magnet inside a coil of wire generated an induced electric current in the wire. This discovery laid the foundation for the generation of electricity on a large scale.

Laws of electromagnetic induction

To fully understand the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, it is essential to know two fundamental laws: Faraday’s law and Lenz’s law. Together, they provide the theoretical framework for understanding and predicting the behavior of electromagnetic systems in everyday life and in technological applications.

Faraday’s law

Faraday’s law states that the magnitude of the electromotive force induced in a circuit is proportional to the change in magnetic flux through the circuit. Magnetic flux is defined as the product of the magnetic field and the area perpendicular to it. Therefore, when a conductor moves through a magnetic field that changes with time, the magnetic flux through the conductor changes, which produces an induced electric current in the conductor.

Lenz’s law

Lenz’s law complements Faraday’s law by establishing the direction of the induced current. It states that the induced current in a circuit is always generated in such a direction that its magnetic field opposes the change in the magnetic flux that produces it. This principle, formulated by the Russian physicist Heinrich Lenz in 1834, guarantees the conservation of energy and explains phenomena such as magnetic braking and opposition to motion in generators and electric motors. Thanks to Lenz’s law, it is not only known how much voltage is induced, but also in which direction the induced current flows, which is essential for the design and operation of many electromagnetic devices.

Applications of electromagnetic induction

Electromagnetic induction is used in a wide range of applications, including electric generators, transformers and electric motors. Electric generators use electromagnetic induction to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Electric motors, on the other hand, use the electric current generated by electromagnetic induction to produce motion.

Electromagnetic induction is also used in electronic devices such as magnetic card readers or wireless technologies, such as wireless chargers, which use induction to transfer energy through magnetic fields.