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Electromagnetic induction

physical science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

How can moving magnets make electricity? This is called electromagnetic induction.

Electromagnetic induction - solenoid to loop - animation
Electromagnetic induction - solenoid to loop - animation

It happens when a magnetic field changes near a wire. This change creates an electromotive force, or emf. An emf is a push that makes electricity flow.

Michael Faraday discovered this in 1831. He used an iron ring with two wires. He saw a small wave of electricity when he connected a battery.

Induction experiment
Induction experiment

He also saw this when he moved a magnet near a coil. Later, James Clerk Maxwell used math to explain his ideas. He created the Maxwell-Faraday equation. This math helps us understand how the push happens.

We use this in many ways today. Electrical generators use it to make power. A generator turns motion into electricity.

Spindle
Spindle

Transformers also use it to move power between wires. Even some brakes use it! They use eddy currents. These are small loops of electricity that form in metal. This science helps run our world every day.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Electromagnetic_induction_-_solenoid_to_loop_-_animation.gif
Electromagnetic_induction_-_solenoid_to_lo...
File:Induction experiment.png
Induction experiment.png
File:Solenoid-1.png
Solenoid-1.png
File:VFPt_Solenoid_correct2.svg
VFPt_Solenoid_correct2.svg
File:Spindle.PNG
Spindle.PNG
File:Current Clamp.jpg
Current Clamp.jpg
File:Hawkins Electrical Guide - Figure 292 - Eddy currents in a solid armature.jpg
Hawkins Electrical Guide - Figure 292 -...
File:Hawkins Electrical Guide - Figure 293 - Armature core with a few laminations showing effect on eddy currents.jpg
Hawkins Electrical Guide - Figure 293 -...
File:Small DC Motor pole laminations and overview.jpg
Small DC Motor pole laminations and overview.jpg
File:Hawkins Electrical Guide - Figure 291 - Formation of eddy currents in a solid bar inductor.jpg
Hawkins Electrical Guide - Figure 291 -...
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