Understanding Faraday’s Law

Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction is a fundamental principle in physics that describes how a magnetic field interacts with an electric circuit to produce an Electromotive Force ($\mathcal{E}$, or voltage). This voltage induces a current, a process called electromagnetic induction.

The law, mathematically expressed as $\mathcal{E} = -N \frac{\Delta \Phi}{\Delta t}$, states that the magnitude of the induced EMF is equal to the rate at which the magnetic flux ($\Phi$) changes. The negative sign, derived from Lenz’s Law, indicates that the induced EMF produces a current that opposes the change in magnetic flux.

Real-World Applications

• Electric Generators: Convert mechanical energy into electrical energy by rotating coils in a magnetic field, constantly changing the magnetic flux.
• Transformers: Use changing magnetic flux to step up or step down AC voltage between two coils.
• Induction Stoves: Generate heat directly in the cooking vessel through induced eddy currents, a direct application of Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Enter Number of Turns ($N$): Input the total number of wire loops in the coil. This must be a positive integer.
2. Enter Change in Magnetic Flux ($\Delta \Phi$): Input the total change in magnetic flux passing through the coil in Webers (Wb). This can be positive or negative.
3. Enter Change in Time ($\Delta t$): Input the duration over which the flux change occurred, in seconds (s). This must be a positive value greater than zero.
4. Click Calculate: Press the “Calculate Induced EMF ($\mathcal{E}$)” button to see the results.