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Physics vocabulary · Electricity and Magnetism

Electromagnetic induction

Meaning in physics, with examples

nounCommon term

In physics, electromagnetic induction means: The production of a voltage, and often a current, in a conductor when the magnetic field through it changes. It is the principle behind generators and transformers.

In Turkish: elektromanyetik indüksiyon, elektromanyetik etkilenme

How it is used

Described by Faraday's law (the induced emf depends on the rate of change of magnetic flux) and Lenz's law (the induced current opposes the change that causes it). You talk about an induced current and an induced emf. Pushing a magnet into a coil is the classic demonstration.

Example sentences

  1. Pushing the magnet into the coil makes the needle move: that's electromagnetic induction.

  2. Power stations use electromagnetic induction to generate electricity.

Common collocations

  • Faraday's law
  • Lenz's law
  • induced current
  • induced emf
  • magnetic flux
  • magnetic fieldThe region around a magnet or a current-carrying wire where magnetic forces can be felt. Its strength is measured in teslas (T), and it is shown with field lines.
  • electromotive forceThe energy that a source such as a battery or generator gives to each coulomb of charge passing through it. Despite its name, it is not a force, and it is measured in volts.
  • electric currentThe rate at which electric charge flows past a point in a circuit. It is measured in amperes (A), and one ampere is one coulomb of charge per second.
  • voltageThe energy transferred to or by each coulomb of charge between two points in a circuit, also called potential difference. It is measured in volts (V).

More terms: Electricity and Magnetism

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