Magnetic Induction Applications

Induced EMF and Magnetic Flux

Faraday’s law of induction states that an electromotive force is induced by a change in the magnetic flux.

Induced EMF

The apparatus used by Faraday to demonstrate that magnetic fields can create currents is illustrated in the following figure. When the switch is closed, a magnetic field is produced in the coil on the top part of the iron ring and transmitted (or guided) to the coil on the bottom part of the ring. The galvanometer is used to detect any current induced in a separate coil on the bottom.

It was found that each time the switch is closed, the galvanometer detects a current in one direction in the coil on the bottom. Each time the switch is opened, the galvanometer detects a current in the opposite direction. Interestingly, if the switch remains closed or open for any length of time, there is no current through the galvanometer. Closing and opening the switch induces the current. It is the change in magnetic field that creates the current. More basic than the current that flows is the electromotive force (EMF) that causes it. The current is a result of an EMF induced by a changing magnetic field, whether or not there is a path for current to flow.

Magnetic Flux

The magnetic flux (often denoted Φ or Φ_B) through a surface is the component of the magnetic field passing through that surface. The magnetic flux through some surface is proportional to the number of field lines passing through that surface. The magnetic flux passing through a surface of vector area A is

[latex]\Phi_\text{B} = \mathbf{\text{B}} \cdot \mathbf{\text{A}} = \text{BA} \cos \theta[/latex],

where B is the magnitude of the magnetic field (having the unit of Tesla, T), A is the area of the surface, and θ is the angle between the magnetic field lines and the normal (perpendicular) to A.

For a varying magnetic field, we first consider the magnetic flux [latex]\text{d}\Phi _\text{B}[/latex] through an infinitesimal area element dA, where we may consider the field to be constant:

[latex]\text{d}\Phi_\text{B} = \mathbf{\text{B}} \cdot \text{d}\mathbf{\text{A}}[/latex]

A generic surface, A, can then be broken into infinitesimal elements and the total magnetic flux through the surface is then the surface integral

[latex]\Phi_\text{B} = \iint_\text{A} \mathbf{\text{B}} \cdot \text{d}\mathbf {\text{A}}[/latex].

Faraday’s Law of Induction and Lenz’ Law

Faraday’s law of induction states that the EMF induced by a change in magnetic flux is [latex]\text{EMF} = -\text{N}\frac{\Delta \Phi}{\Delta \text{t}}[/latex], when flux changes by Δ in a time Δt.

Faraday’s Law of Induction

Faraday’s law of induction is a basic law of electromagnetism that predicts how a magnetic field will interact with an electric circuit to produce an electromotive force (EMF). It is the fundamental operating principle of transformers, inductors, and many types of electrical motors, generators, and solenoids.

Faraday’s experiments showed that the EMF induced by a change in magnetic flux depends on only a few factors. First, EMF is directly proportional to the change in flux Δ. Second, EMF is greatest when the change in time Δt is smallest—that is, EMF is inversely proportional to Δt. Finally, if a coil has N turns, an EMF will be produced that is N times greater than for a single coil, so that EMF is directly proportional to N. The equation for the EMF induced by a change in magnetic flux is

[latex]\text{EMF} = -\text{N}\frac{\Delta \Phi}{\Delta \text{t}}[/latex].

This relationship is known as Faraday’s law of induction. The units for EMF are volts, as is usual.

Lenz’ Law

The minus sign in Faraday’s law of induction is very important. The minus means that the EMF creates a current I and magnetic field B that oppose the change in flux Δthis is known as Lenz’ law. The direction (given by the minus sign) of the EMF is so important that it is called Lenz’ law after the Russian Heinrich Lenz (1804–1865), who, like Faraday and Henry, independently investigated aspects of induction. Faraday was aware of the direction, but Lenz stated it, so he is credited for its discovery.

Energy Conservation

Lenz’ law is a manifestation of the conservation of energy. The induced EMF produces a current that opposes the change in flux, because a change in flux means a change in energy. Energy can enter or leave, but not instantaneously. Lenz’ law is a consequence. As the change begins, the law says induction opposes and, thus, slows the change. In fact, if the induced EMF were in the same direction as the change in flux, there would be a positive feedback that would give us free energy from no apparent source—conservation of energy would be violated.

Motional EMF

Motion in a magnetic field that is stationary relative to the Earth induces motional EMF (electromotive force).

As seen in previous Atoms, any change in magnetic flux induces an electromotive force (EMF) opposing that change—a process known as induction. Motion is one of the major causes of induction. For example, a magnet moved toward a coil induces an EMF, and a coil moved toward a magnet produces a similar EMF. In this Atom, we concentrate on motion in a magnetic field that is stationary relative to the Earth, producing what is loosely called motional EMF.

Motional EMF

Consider the situation shown in. A rod is moved at a speed v along a pair of conducting rails separated by a distance ℓ in a uniform magnetic field B. The rails are stationary relative to B, and are connected to a stationary resistor R (the resistor could be anything from a light bulb to a voltmeter). Consider the area enclosed by the moving rod, rails and resistor. B is perpendicular to this area, and the area is increasing as the rod moves. Thus the magnetic flux enclosed by the rails, rod and resistor is increasing. When flux changes, an EMF is induced according to Faraday’s law of induction.

To find the magnitude of EMF induced along the moving rod, we use Faraday’s law of induction without the sign:

[latex]\text{EMF} = \text{N}\frac{\Delta \Phi}{\Delta \text{t}}[/latex].

In this equation, N=1 and the flux Φ=BAcosθ. We have θ=0º and cosθ=1, since B is perpendicular to A. Now Δ=Δ(BA)=BΔA, since B is uniform. Note that the area swept out by the rod is ΔA=ℓx. Entering these quantities into the expression for EMF yields:

[latex]\text{EMF} = \frac{\text{B}\Delta \text{A}}{\Delta \text{t}} = \text{B} \frac{\text{l} \Delta \text{x}}{\Delta \text{t}} = \text{Blv}[/latex].

To find the direction of the induced field, the direction of the current, and the polarity of the induced EMF we apply Lenz’ law, as explained in Faraday’s Law of Induction: Lenz’ Law. As seen in Fig 1 (b), F lux is increasing, since the area enclosed is increasing. Thus the induced field must oppose the existing one and be out of the page. (The right hand rule requires that I be counterclockwise, which in turn means the top of the rod is positive, as shown. )

Electric Field vs. Magnetic Field

There are many connections between the electric force and the magnetic force. That a moving magnetic field produces an electric field (and conversely that a moving electric field produces a magnetic field) is part of the reason electric and magnetic forces are now considered as different manifestations of the same force (first noticed by Albert Einstein). This classic unification of electric and magnetic forces into what is called the electromagnetic force is the inspiration for contemporary efforts to unify other basic forces.

Back EMF, Eddy Currents, and Magnetic Damping

Back EMF, eddy currents, and magnetic damping are all due to induced EMF and can be explained by Faraday’s law of induction.

Back EMF

Motors and generators are very similar. (Read our Atoms on “Electric Generators” and “Electric Motors. “) Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, whereas motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Furthermore, motors and generators have the same construction. When the coil of a motor is turned, magnetic flux changes, and an electromotive force (EMF), consistent with Faraday’s law of induction, is induced. The motor thus acts as a generator whenever its coil rotates. This will happen whether the shaft is turned by an external input, like a belt drive, or by the action of the motor itself. That is, when a motor is doing work and its shaft is turning, an EMF is generated. Lenz’ law tells us the induced EMF opposes any change, so that the input EMF that powers the motor will be opposed by the motor’s self-generated EMF, called the back EMF of the motor.

Eddy Current

As discussed in “Motional EMF,” motional EMF is induced when a conductor moves in a magnetic field or when a magnetic field moves relative to a conductor. If motional EMF can cause a current loop in the conductor, we refer to that current as an eddy current. Eddy currents can produce significant drag, called magnetic damping, on the motion involved.

Consider the apparatus shown in, which swings a pendulum bob between the poles of a strong magnet. If the bob is metal, there is significant drag on the bob as it enters and leaves the field, quickly damping the motion. If, however, the bob is a slotted metal plate, as shown in (b), there is a much smaller effect due to the magnet. There is no discernible effect on a bob made of an insulator.

shows what happens to the metal plate as it enters and leaves the magnetic field. In both cases, it experiences a force opposing its motion. As it enters from the left, flux increases, and so an eddy current is set up (Faraday’s law) in the counterclockwise direction (Lenz’ law), as shown. Only the right-hand side of the current loop is in the field, so that there is an unopposed force on it to the left (right hand rule). When the metal plate is completely inside the field, there is no eddy current if the field is uniform, since the flux remains constant in this region. But when the plate leaves the field on the right, flux decreases, causing an eddy current in the clockwise direction that, again, experiences a force to the left, further slowing the motion. A similar analysis of what happens when the plate swings from the right toward the left shows that its motion is also damped when entering and leaving the field.

When a slotted metal plate enters the field, as shown in, an EMF is induced by the change in flux, but it is less effective because the slots limit the size of the current loops. Moreover, adjacent loops have currents in opposite directions, and their effects cancel. When an insulating material is used, the eddy current is extremely small, and so magnetic damping on insulators is negligible. If eddy currents are to be avoided in conductors, then they can be slotted or constructed of thin layers of conducting material separated by insulating sheets.

Changing Magnetic Flux Produces an Electric Field

Faraday’s law of induction states that changing magnetic field produces an electric field: [latex]\varepsilon = -\frac{\partial \Phi_\text{B}}{\partial \text{t}}[/latex].

We have studied Faraday’s law of induction in previous atoms. We learned the relationship between induced electromotive force (EMF) and magnetic flux. In a nutshell, the law states that changing magnetic field [latex](\frac{\text{d} \Phi_\text{B}}{\text{dt}})[/latex] produces an electric field [latex](\varepsilon)[/latex], Faraday’s law of induction is expressed as [latex]\varepsilon = -\frac{\partial \Phi_\text{B}}{\partial \text{t}}[/latex], where [latex]\varepsilon[/latex] is induced EMF and [latex]\Phi_\text{B}[/latex] is magnetic flux. (“N” is dropped from our previous expression. The number of turns of coil is included can be incorporated in the magnetic flux, so the factor is optional. ) Faraday’s law of induction is a basic law of electromagnetism that predicts how a magnetic field will interact with an electric circuit to produce an electromotive force (EMF). In this Atom, we will learn about an alternative mathematical expression of the law.

Differential form of Faraday’s law

The magnetic flux is [latex]\Phi_\text{B} = \int_\text{S} \vec {\text{B}} \cdot \text{d} \vec {\text{A}}[/latex], where [latex]\vec {\text{A}}[/latex] is a vector area over a closed surface S. A device that can maintain a potential difference, despite the flow of current is a source of electromotive force. (EMF) The definition is mathematically [latex]\varepsilon = \oint_\text{C} \vec {\text{E}} \cdot \text{d}\vec {\text{s}}[/latex], where the integral is evaluated over a closed loop C.

Faraday’s law now can be rewritten [latex]\oint_\text{C} \vec {\text{E}} \cdot \text{d}\vec {\text{s}} = -\frac{\partial}{\partial \text{t}} (\int \vec {\text{B}} \cdot \text{d}\vec {\text{A}})[/latex]. Using the Stokes’ theorem in vector calculus, the left hand side is[latex]\oint_\text{C} \vec {\text{E}} \cdot \text{d}\vec {\text{s}} = \int_\text{S} (\nabla \times \vec {\text{E}}) \cdot \text{d}\vec {\text{A}}[/latex]. Also, note that in the right hand side[latex]\frac{\partial}{\partial \text{t}} (\int \vec {\text{B}} \cdot \text{d}\vec {\text{A}}) = \int \frac{\partial \vec {\text{B}}}{\partial \text{t}} \cdot \text{d}\vec {\text{A}}[/latex]. Therefore, we get an alternative form of the Faraday’s law of induction: [latex]\nabla \times \vec {\text{E}} = - \frac{\partial \vec {\text{B}}}{\partial \text{t}}[/latex].This is also called a differential form of the Faraday’s law. It is one of the four equations in Maxwell’s equations, governing all electromagnetic phenomena.

Electric Generators

Electric generators convert mechanical energy to electrical energy; they induce an EMF by rotating a coil in a magnetic field.

Electric generators are devices that convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. They induce an electromotive force (EMF) by rotating a coil in a magnetic field. It is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. A generator forces electric charge (usually carried by electrons) to flow through an external electrical circuit. Possible sources of mechanical energy include: a reciprocating or turbine steam engine, water falling through a turbine or waterwheel, an internal combustion engine, a wind turbine, a hand crank, compressed air, or any other source of mechanical energy. Generators supply almost all of the power for the electric power grids which provide most of the world’s electric power.

Basic Setup

Consider the setup shown in. Charges in the wires of the loop experience the magnetic force because they are moving in a magnetic field. Charges in the vertical wires experience forces parallel to the wire, causing currents. However, those in the top and bottom segments feel a force perpendicular to the wire; this force does not cause a current. We can thus find the induced EMF by considering only the side wires. Motional EMF is given to be EMF=Bℓv, where the velocity v is perpendicular to the magnetic field B (see our Atom on “Motional EMF”). Here, the velocity is at an angle θ with B, so that its component perpendicular to B is vsinθ.

Thus in this case the EMF induced on each side is EMF=Bℓvsinθ, and they are in the same direction. The total EMF [latex]\varepsilon[/latex] around the loop is then:

[latex]\varepsilon = 2 \text{Blv} \sin{\theta}[/latex].

This expression is valid, but it does not give EMF as a function of time. To find the time dependence of EMF, we assume the coil rotates at a constant angular velocity ω. The angle θ is related to angular velocity by θ=ωt, so that:

[latex]\varepsilon = 2 \text{Blv} \sin{\omega \text{t}}[/latex].

Now, linear velocity v is related to angular velocity by v=rω. Here r=w/2, so that v=(w/2)ω, and:

[latex]\varepsilon = 2 \text{Bl} \frac{\text{w}}{2} \omega \sin{\omega \text{t}} = (\text{lw})\text{B}\omega \sin{\omega \text{t}}[/latex].

Noting that the area of the loop is A=ℓw, and allowing for N loops, we find that:

[latex]\varepsilon = \text{NABw}~\sin{\omega \text{t}}[/latex] is the EMF induced in a generator coil of N turns and area A rotating at a constant angular velocity in a uniform magnetic field B.

Generators illustrated in this Atom look very much like the motors illustrated previously. This is not coincidental. In fact, a motor becomes a generator when its shaft rotates.

Electric Motors

An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

The basic principles of operation for a motor are the same as those for a generator, except that a motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (motion). (Read our atom on electric generators first. ) Most electric motors use the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors to generate force. Electric motors are found in applications as diverse as industrial fans, blowers and pumps, machine tools, household appliances, power tools, and disk drives.

Lorentz Force

If you were to place a moving charged particle in a magnetic field, it would experience a force called the Lorentz force:

[latex]\text{F}=\text{q}\times \text{v}\times \text{B}[/latex]

where v is the speed of the moving charge, q is the charge, and B is the magnetic field. Current in a conductor consists of moving charges. Therefore, a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field will also feel the Lorentz force. For a straight current carrying wire that is not moving, the Lorentz force is:

[latex]\text{F}=\text{I}\times \text{L}\times \text{B}[/latex]

where F is the force (in newtons, N), I is the current in the wire (in amperes, A), L is the length of the wire that is in the magnetic field (in m), and B is the magnetic field strength (in teslas, T). The direction of the Lorentz force is perpendicular to both the direction of the flow of current and the magnetic field and can be found using the right-hand rule, shown in. Using your right hand, point your thumb in the direction of the current, and point your first finger in the direction of the magnetic field. Your third finger will now be pointing in the direction of the force.

Mechanics of a Motor

Both motors and generators can be explained in terms of a coil that rotates in a magnetic field. In a generator the coil is attached to an external circuit that is then turned. This results in a changing flux, which induces an electromagnetic field. In a motor, a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field experiences a force on both sides of the coil, which creates a twisting force (called a torque) that makes it turn. Any coil carrying current can feel a force in a magnetic field. This force is the Lorentz force on the moving charges in the conductor. The force on opposite sides of the coil will be in opposite directions because the charges are moving in opposite directions. This means the coil will rotate.

Inductance

Inductance is the property of a device that tells how effectively it induces an emf in another device or on itself.

Induction is the process in which an emf is induced by changing magnetic flux. Transformers, for example, are designed to be particularly effective at inducing a desired voltage and current with very little loss of energy to other forms (see our Atom on “Transformers. “) Is there a useful physical quantity related to how “effective” a given device is? The answer is yes, and that physical quantity is called inductance.

Mutual Inductance

Mutual inductance is the effect of Faraday’s law of induction for one device upon another, such as the primary coil in transmitting energy to the secondary in a transformer. See, where simple coils induce emfs in one another.

In the many cases where the geometry of the devices is fixed, flux is changed by varying current. We therefore concentrate on the rate of change of current, ΔI/Δt, as the cause of induction. A change in the current I₁ in one device, coil 1, induces an EMF₂ in the other. We express this in equation form as

[latex]\text{EMF}_2 = -\text{M} \frac{\Delta \text{I}_1}{\Delta \text{t}}[/latex],

where M is defined to be the mutual inductance between the two devices. The minus sign is an expression of Lenz’s law. The larger the mutual inductance M, the more effective the coupling.

Nature is symmetric here. If we change the current I2 in coil 2, we induce an emf1 in coil 1, which is given by

[latex]\text{EMF}_1 = -\text{M} \frac{\Delta \text{I}_2}{\Delta \text{t}}[/latex],

where M is the same as for the reverse process. Transformers run backward with the same effectiveness, or mutual inductance M.

Self-Inductance

Self-inductance, the effect of Faraday’s law of induction of a device on itself, also exists. When, for example, current through a coil is increased, the magnetic field and flux also increase, inducing a counter emf, as required by Lenz’s law. Conversely, if the current is decreased, an emf is induced that opposes the decrease. Most devices have a fixed geometry, and so the change in flux is due entirely to the change in current ΔI through the device. The induced emf is related to the physical geometry of the device and the rate of change of current. It is given by

[latex]\text{EMF} = -\text{L} \frac{\Delta \text{I}}{\Delta \text{t}}[/latex],

where L is the self-inductance of the device. A device that exhibits significant self-inductance is called an inductor. Again, the minus sign is an expression of Lenz’s law, indicating that emf opposes the change in current.

A Quantitative Interpretation of Motional EMF

A a motional EMF is an electromotive force (EMF) induced by motion relative to a magnetic field B.

An electromotive force (EMF) induced by motion relative to a magnetic field B is called a motional EMF. You might have noticed that motional EMF is very similar to the induced EMF caused by a changing magnetic field. In this Atom we see that they are indeed the same phenomenon, shown in different frame of reference.

Motional EMF

In the case where a conductor loop is moving into magnet shown in (a), magnetic force on a moving charge in the loop is given by [latex]evB[/latex] (Lorentz force, e: electron charge).

Due to the force, electrons will keep building up on one side (bottom end in the figure) until enough of an electric field opposing the motion of electrons is established across the rod, which is [latex]\text{eE}[/latex]. Equating the two forces, we get [latex]\text{E} = \text{vB}[/latex].

Therefore, the motional EMF over the length L of the side of the loop is given by [latex]\varepsilon_{\text{motion}} = \text{vB} \times \text{L}[/latex] (Eq. 1), where L is the length of the object moving at speed v relative to the magnet.

Induced EMF

Since the rate of change of the magnetic flux passing through the loop is [latex]\text{B}\frac{\text{dA}}{\text{dt}}[/latex](A: area of the loop that magnetic field pass through), the induced EMF [latex]\varepsilon_{\text{induced}} = \text{BLv}[/latex] (Eq. 2).

Equivalence of the Motional and Induced EMF

From Eq. 1 and Eq. 2 we can confirm that motional and induced EMF yield the same result. In fact, the equivalence of the two phenomena is what triggered Albert Einstein to examine special relativity. In his seminal paper on special relativity published in 1905, Einstein begins by mentioning the equivalence of the two phenomena:

“…… for example, the reciprocal electrodynamic action of a magnet and a conductor. The observable phenomenon here depends only on the relative motion of the conductor and the magnet, whereas the customary view draws a sharp distinction between the two cases in which either the one or the other of these bodies is in motion. For if the magnet is in motion and the conductor at rest, there arises in the neighbourhood of the magnet an electric field with a certain definite energy, producing a current at the places where parts of the conductor are situated. But if the magnet is stationary and the conductor in motion, no electric field arises in the neighbourhood of the magnet. In the conductor, however, we find an electromotive force, to which in itself there is no corresponding energy, but which gives rise—assuming equality of relative motion in the two cases discussed—to electric currents of the same path and intensity as those produced by the electric forces in the former case. “

Mechanical Work and Electrical Energy

Mechanical work done by an external force to produce motional EMF is converted to heat energy; energy is conserved in the process.

We learned about motional EMF previously (see our Atom on “Motional EMF”). For the simple setup shown below, motional EMF [latex](\varepsilon)[/latex] produced by a moving conductor (in a uniform field) is given as follows:

[latex]\varepsilon = \text{Blv}[/latex]

where B is the magnetic field, l is the length of the conducting rod, and v is the (constant) speed of its motion. (B, l, and v are all perpendicular to each other as shown in the image below.)

Conservation of Energy

In this atom, we will consider the system from the energy perspective. As the rod moves and carries current i, it will feel the Lorentz force

[latex]\text{F}_\text{L} = \text{iBL}[/latex].

To keep the rod moving at a constant speed v, we must constantly apply an external force F_ext(equal to magnitude of F_L and opposite in its direction) to the rod along its motion. Since the rod is moving at v, the power P delivered by the external force would be:

[latex]\text{P} = \text{F}_{\text{ext}} \text{v} = (\text{iBL})\times \text{v} = \text{i} \varepsilon[/latex].

In the final step, we used the first equation we talked about. Note that this is exactly the power dissipated in the loop (= current [latex]\times[/latex] voltage). Therefore, we conclude that the mechanical work done by an external force to keep the rod moving at a constant speed is converted to heat energy in the loop. More generally, mechanical work done by an external force to produce motional EMF is converted to heat energy. Energy is conserved in the process.

Lenz’ Law

We learned in the Atom “Faraday’s Law of Induction and Lenz’ Law” that Lenz’ law is a manifestation of the conservation of energy. As we see in the example in this Atom, Lenz’ law guarantees that the motion of the rod is opposed because of nature’s tendency to oppose a change in magnetic field. If the induced EMF were in the same direction as the change in flux, there would be a positive feedback causing the rod to fly away from the slightest perturbation.

Energy in a Magnetic Field

Magnetic field stores energy. The energy density is given as [latex]\text{u} = \frac{\mathbf{\text{B}}\cdot\mathbf{\text{B}}}{2\mu}[/latex].

Energy is needed to generate a magnetic field both to work against the electric field that a changing magnetic field creates and to change the magnetization of any material within the magnetic field. For non-dispersive materials this same energy is released when the magnetic field is destroyed. Therefore, this energy can be modeled as being “stored” in the magnetic field.

Energy Stored in a Magnetic Field

For linear, non-dispersive, materials (such that B = μH where μ, called the permeability, is frequency-independent), the energy density is:

[latex]\text{u} = \frac{\mathbf{\text{B}}\cdot\mathbf{\text{B}}}{2\mu} = \frac{\mu\mathbf{\text{H}}\cdot\mathbf{\text{H}}}{2}[/latex].

Energy density is the amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume. If there are no magnetic materials around, μ can be replaced by μ₀. The above equation cannot be used for nonlinear materials, though; a more general expression (given below) must be used.

In general, the incremental amount of work per unit volume δW needed to cause a small change of magnetic field δB is:

[latex]\delta \text{W} = \mathbf{\text{H}}\cdot\delta\mathbf{\text{B}}[/latex].

Once the relationship between H and B is known this equation is used to determine the work needed to reach a given magnetic state. For hysteretic materials such as ferromagnets and superconductors, the work needed also depends on how the magnetic field is created. For linear non-dispersive materials, though, the general equation leads directly to the simpler energy density equation given above.

Energy Stored in the Field of a Solenoid

The energy stored by an inductor is equal to the amount of work required to establish the current through the inductor, and therefore the magnetic field. This is given by:

[latex]\text{E}_{\text{stored}} = \frac{1}{2}\text{LI}^2[/latex].

Proof: Power that should be supplied to an inductor with inductance L to run current I through it it given as

[latex]\text{P} = \text{VI} = \text{L}\frac{\text{dI}}{\text{dt}} \times \text{I}[/latex].

Therefore

[latex]\text{E}_{\text{stored}} = \int_0^\text{T} \text{P}(\text{t}) \text{dt} = \int_0 ^\text{I} \text{LI}' \text{dI}' = \frac{1}{2} \text{LI}^2[/latex].

Transformers

Transformers transform voltages from one value to another; its function is governed by the transformer equation.

Transformers change voltages from one value to another. For example, devices such as cell phones, laptops, video games, power tools and small appliances have a transformer (built into their plug-in unit) that changes 120 V into the proper voltage for the device. Transformers are also used at several points in power distribution systems, as shown in. Power is sent long distances at high voltages, as less current is required for a given amount of power (this means less line loss). Because high voltages pose greater hazards, transformers are employed to produce lower voltage at the user’s location.

The type of transformer considered here is based on Faraday’s law of induction, and is very similar in construction to the apparatus Faraday used to demonstrate that magnetic fields can create currents (illustrated in ). The two coils are called the primary and secondary coils. In normal use, the input voltage is placed on the primary, and the secondary produces the transformed output voltage. Not only does the iron core trap the magnetic field created by the primary coil, its magnetization increases the field strength. Since the input voltage is AC, a time-varying magnetic flux is sent to the secondary, inducing its AC output voltage.

Transformer Equation

For the simple transformer shown in, the output voltage V_s depends almost entirely on the input voltage V_p and the ratio of the number of loops in the primary and secondary coils. Faraday’s law of induction for the secondary coil gives its induced output voltage V_s as:

[latex]\text{V}_\text{s} = -\text{N}_\text{s} \frac{\Delta \Phi}{\Delta \text{t}}[/latex],

where N_s is the number of loops in the secondary coil and Δ/Δt is the rate of change of magnetic flux. Note that the output voltage equals the induced EMF (V_s=EMF_s), provided coil resistance is small. The cross-sectional area of the coils is the same on either side, as is the magnetic field strength, so /Δt is the same on either side. The input primary voltage V_p is also related to changing flux by:

[latex]\text{V}_\text{p} = -\text{N}_\text{p} \frac{\Delta \Phi}{\Delta \text{t}}[/latex].

Taking the ratio of these last two equations yields a useful relationship:

[latex]\frac{\text{V}_\text{s}}{\text{V}_\text{p}} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{s}}{\text{N}_\text{p}}[/latex].

This is known as the transformer equation, which simply states that the ratio of the secondary to primary voltages in a transformer equals the ratio of the number of loops in their coils. The output voltage of a transformer can be less than, greater than or equal to the input voltage, depending on the ratio of the number of loops in their coils. Some transformers even provide a variable output by allowing connection to be made at different points on the secondary coil. A step-up transformer is one that increases voltage, whereas a step-down transformer decreases voltage.

Assuming, as we have, that resistance is negligible, the electrical power output of a transformer equals its input. Equating the power input and output,

[latex]\text{P}_\text{p} = \text{I}_\text{p} \text{V}_\text{p} = \text{I}_\text{s} \text{V}_\text{s} = \text{P}_\text{s}[/latex].

Combining this results with the transformer equation, we find:

[latex]\frac{\text{I}_\text{s}}{\text{I}_\text{p}} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{p}}{\text{N}_\text{s}}[/latex].

So if voltage increases, current decreases. Conversely, if voltage decreases, current increases.