Molly Ayala
Electromagnetic induction, or induction, is the production of an electromotive force (emf) across an electrical conductor in a changing magnetic field. This process was discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831 and is used to explain the operation of generators, induction motors, and other electrical machines. Induction is also used in cooking devices, where metal coils create a magnetic field that induces an electric current in the metal base of a pan, creating heat.
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What You'll Learn
Electromagnetic Induction
The discovery of electromagnetic induction is credited to Michael Faraday, who documented his findings in 1831. Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that the electromotive force (emf) in volts, N is the number of turns of wire, and Wb is the magnetic flux in Webers. Faraday's law was later generalised to become the Maxwell–Faraday equation, one of the four Maxwell equations in his theory of electromagnetism.
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Faraday's Law of Induction
Faraday's law can be understood by visualizing a magnetic field as composed of many lines of induction, along which a small magnetic compass would point. These lines of magnetic flux intersect a given area, and the aggregate of these intersections is also called magnetic flux. When the magnetic flux changes, the wire loop acquires an electromotive force (EMF) or voltage. This EMF is defined as the energy available from a unit charge that has traveled once around the wire loop.
Emf = −dΦ/dt
Where emf is the electromotive force, and dΦ/dt represents the rate of change of the magnetic flux Φ over time t. The faster the magnetic field changes, the greater the voltage in the circuit will be. The direction of the change in the magnetic field determines the direction of the current, as given by Lenz's law.
Faraday's law has two main aspects: the motional EMF generated by a magnetic force on a moving wire, and the transformer EMF generated by an electric force due to a changing magnetic field. This law forms the basis of modern technology, enabling electric motors, generators, and transformers.
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Induction in everyday machines
Induction is a fundamental principle in the operation of many electrical machines and devices. Electromagnetic induction, discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831, forms the basis for understanding how electric generators (alternators), microphones, electric guitars, and transformers function.
The principle revolves around the relationship between electric currents and magnetic fields. When a conductor is moved within a magnetic field, the current flows back and forth, resulting in an alternating current. This phenomenon is described as electromagnetic induction, and the current produced is known as an induced current.
Induction machines (IMs) are prevalent in various industrial applications due to their cost-effectiveness, robustness, and reliability. They serve as both mechanical and electrical power sources, driving motors and generators, respectively. However, despite their importance, IMs are susceptible to faults and breakdowns, which can lead to significant economic losses.
To address this challenge, researchers have developed techniques for induction machine fault modelling. These models enable the study of faulty machines without the need for costly and destructive testing. By categorizing faults according to their origin (mechanical or electrical) and location (stator or rotor), maintenance can be optimized, reducing unexpected breakdowns and their associated economic impact.
Overall, induction plays a critical role in the operation of everyday machines, from power generation to audio equipment. The ongoing advancements in understanding and managing induction-based technologies contribute to the reliability and efficiency of the machines that we depend on in our daily lives.
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Induction motors
Electromagnetic induction, discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831, is the principle that explains the operation of generators, induction motors, and most other electrical machines. Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that electromotive force (emf) in volts, the number of turns of wire (N), and magnetic flux in Webers (Wb) are related. The German scientist H.F.E. Lenz's "Lenz's Law" gives the direction of the induced emf, which always acts to oppose the change in magnetic flux that produced it.
The stator is the outer, non-moving chamber in which the rotor spins. It is formed by a ring of electromagnets designed as a cylinder to produce a rotating magnetic field. Copper wire wound throughout the cylinder's interior creates magnetic poles, with one pole of each magnet facing the center. When alternating current flows through these wire coils, they form a pair of alternating poles, creating an alternating magnetic field that rotates with unified strength.
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Induction cooking
The first induction cookers were demonstrated in the mid-1950s by the Frigidaire division of General Motors, but they were never put into production. Modern implementations came in the early 1970s, with work done at the Research & Development Center of Westinghouse Electric Corporation. The first production units, named Cool Top 2 (CT2) Induction ranges, were priced at US$1,500 ($11,050 in 2023 dollars) and included a set of high-quality cookware. CT2 won several awards, including the 1972 Industrial Research Magazine IR-100 best-product award.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. For example, the electromagnetic field of induction cooktops may interfere with medical devices such as pacemakers. Additionally, induction cooking requires magnetic cookware, so not all types of pots and pans can be used. Cookware with a flat bottom is also recommended for even heating. While adapters are available for non-inductive pans, this adds an extra cost. Furthermore, there may be a slight hum or buzz due to the cookware vibrating, which may be bothersome to some users.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical induction, or electromagnetic induction, is the production of an electromotive force (emf) across an electrical conductor in a changing magnetic field.
Michael Faraday is credited with discovering electrical induction in 1831. However, it was also discovered independently by Joseph Henry in 1832.
Electrical induction occurs when a conductor is placed in a moving magnetic field or when a conductor is constantly moving in a stationary magnetic field. This creates a current or voltage, which is called an induced current or an induced voltage.
Electrical induction is used in many everyday machines such as motors, generators, and transformers. It is also used in electrical components such as inductors and transformers, and devices such as electric guitars and microphones.
