#electromagnetic induction

Michael Faraday achieved electromagnetic induction here at the Ri for the first time #OnThisDay in 1831

His work revolutionised our understanding of electricity and led to the development of electric generators, motors, inductors & transformers ⚡️

Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electromotive force (voltage) across an electrical conductor in a changing magnetic field.

You can find his electromagnetic induction ring and notes within our Museum and archival collection!

(JPL/NASA)  Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) - infographic

Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) can result from geomagnetic storm — a type of space weather event in which Earth’s magnetic field is rattled by incoming magnetic solar material. Most GICs are triggered by coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which interact with the magnetic field around Earth and cause it to rattle. The quick-changing magnetic fields create GICs through a process called electromagnetic induction. GICs can flow through railroad tracks, underground pipelines, and power grids. In extreme cases, they can cause blackouts.

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By Cliff Potts, CSO, and Editor-in-Chief of WPS News Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines — July 24, 2026 — 12:30 p.m. Last week we learned that electricity can create magnetism. This week we examine the discovery that changed the modern world. Magnetism can create electricity. That statement may sound simple, but it is one of the most important discoveries in human history. Without it, there…

EMI

I’ve been soo sick 🤒

Introduction

Michael Faraday and Joseph Henry were pivotal figures in the field of electromagnetism. Their experiments laid the foundation for modern electrical engineering and technology. Faraday and Henry independently discovered the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, which is the process of generating an electromotive force (EMF) by changing the magnetic environment of a conductor. This principle is fundamental to the operation of many electrical devices and systems in use today.

Faraday's Experiments

Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction

Michael Faraday's experiments were critical in formulating the law of electromagnetic induction. Faraday's Law states that the induced EMF in a closed circuit is directly proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux through the circuit. This can be mathematically expressed as:

EMF= −dΦB​​/dt

where ΦB represents the magnetic flux.

Faraday's Experiment Setup:

Faraday's primary experimental setup included a coil of wire, a galvanometer (an instrument for detecting electric current), and a bar magnet. In one of his most famous experiments, Faraday moved the bar magnet towards and away from the coil of wire. He observed that the movement of the magnet caused a current to flow through the wire, which was detected by the galvanometer.

Key Observations:

Induction of Current: A current is induced in the coil when the magnetic field around it changes. This change can be due to the movement of the magnet or changes in the current flowing through an adjacent coil.

Direction of Induced Current: The direction of the induced current depends on the direction of the movement of the magnet. When the magnet is moved towards the coil, the current flows in one direction, and when it is moved away, the current flows in the opposite direction. This observation is encapsulated in Lenz's Law, which states that the direction of the induced current is such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that caused it.

Magnitude of Induced Current: The magnitude of the induced current is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic field. Faster movement of the magnet results in a greater change in magnetic flux and, consequently, a stronger induced current.

Faraday's experiments not only demonstrated the existence of electromagnetic induction but also provided a quantitative relationship between the changing magnetic field and the induced EMF. This was a significant breakthrough in understanding electromagnetism.

Read Also: Class 11 Physics Notes on The Molecular Nature of Matter

Henry's Experiments

Henry's Contributions to Electromagnetism

Joseph Henry, an American scientist, conducted experiments around the same time as Faraday and made significant contributions to the understanding of electromagnetic induction. Although Henry's work was independent of Faraday's, he arrived at similar conclusions regarding the principles of induction. Henry is also credited with discovering self-induction and mutual induction.

Henry's Experiment Setup

Henry's experiments involved coils of wire and iron cores. In one notable experiment, he used a large coil of wire connected to a battery and an iron core to create a strong magnetic field. He then observed the effects of this magnetic field on nearby coils of wire.

Key Observations

Self-Induction: Henry discovered that a changing current in a coil induces an EMF in the same coil. This phenomenon, known as self-induction, occurs because a changing current produces a changing magnetic field, which in turn induces an EMF that opposes the change in current. This is the principle behind inductors, which are used in many electrical circuits to control the flow of current.

Mutual Induction: Henry also observed that a changing current in one coil could induce a current in a nearby coil. This phenomenon is known as mutual induction. The induced EMF in the second coil is proportional to the rate of change of current in the first coil. This principle is the basis for transformers, which are used to transfer electrical energy between circuits.

Henry's experiments complemented Faraday's work and helped to further elucidate the principles of electromagnetic induction. His discovery of self-induction and mutual induction had significant implications for the development of electrical technology.

Applications of Faraday's and Henry's Discoveries

Electrical Transformers

The principles of electromagnetic induction are applied in transformers, which are used to increase or decrease voltage levels in power transmission. A transformer consists of two coils of wire, known as the primary and secondary coils, wound around a common iron core. When an alternating current (AC) flows through the primary coil, it creates a changing magnetic field that induces a current in the secondary coil. The voltage induced in the secondary coil is proportional to the number of turns in the coil, allowing for the efficient transfer of electrical energy at different voltage levels.

Electric Generators

Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy using the principles discovered by Faraday and Henry. In a generator, a coil of wire is rotated within a magnetic field, causing a change in magnetic flux through the coil. This induces an EMF and generates an electric current. Generators are essential components of power plants and are used to produce the electricity that powers homes and industries.

Induction Coils

Induction coils are used in various applications, such as in the ignition systems of internal combustion engines and in wireless charging devices. An induction coil consists of two coils of wire, known as the primary and secondary coils, wound around a common iron core. When a current flows through the primary coil, it creates a magnetic field that induces a current in the secondary coil. This induced current can be used to generate high voltages, making induction coils useful for applications requiring a spark or high voltage output.

Conclusion: