Suggested Solution to Electromagnetic Induction

Level 1

1. (a) Faradays law states that the magnitude of the induced emf is directly proportional to the rate of change of
magnetic flux linkage or rate of cutting of magnetic flux.

(b) Lenz's Law states that the polarity of the induced emf is such that it tends to produce a current that creates a
magnetic flux to oppose the change in magnetic flux causing it.
Consider the case of a magnet approaching a closed solenoid. The direction of induced current is always such as
to (produce a magnetic force to) oppose the motion of the magnet (which was the cause of the electromagnetic
induction). Since the motion of the magnet is opposed, work must be done in order to maintain the motion of the
magnet. This mechanical work enables the conversion of energy into the electrical energy of the current.

(c) As the N-pole approaches, the magnetic flux linkage through the solenoid increases. By Lenzs law, the
induced current in the solenoid will tend to produce a magnetic flux to
oppose the increase in the flux linkage. Hence, the induced current
must be flowing from left to right through the galvanometer.
OR
By Lenzs law, the induced current flows from left to right through the
galvanometer in order to produce a N-pole at the right end so as to
oppose the increase in magnetic flux linkage through the solenoid
caused by the approaching magnet.

2. Use the example in Q1(c).

3. An alternating current in the cable would produce a magnetic that is either into or out of the paper on either side of
the cable. In order for an emf to be induced in the small coil, the coil must experience a changing magnetic flux
linkage with time. Options C and D do not enclose any flux, hence no e.m.f will be induced in these orientations.
Option B has equal amount of flux into and out of the page at any instant in time no net change in flux linkage
with respect to time, hence there will also be no induced e.m.f.. The coil in option A is the only one that will
experience a changing magnetic flux linkage as the current in the cable changes magnitude and direction
sinusoidally. Note that if the small coil is placed off center, there will be a net magnetic flux linkage through the coil
at any instant. There will be an induced e.m.f in the coil but it will still be smaller that that in Option A.
Answer: A

4. (i) As the coil rotates, there is a change in magnetic flux linkage through the coil with respect to time. (The flux
linkage is maximum when the plane of the coil is perpendicular to the magnetic field of the magnet and zero when
the plane of the coil is parallel to the magnetic field.) By Faradays law, an emf that is proportional to the rate of
change of flux linkage will be induced in the coil.**
OR
As the coil rotates, the sides of the coil will cut the magnetic flux of the magnet. Hence, by Faradays law, an e.m.f
that is proportional to the rate of cutting of magnetic flux will be induced in the coil.**

(ii) Number of turns in the coil, strength of the magnetic field of magnet, speed of rotation are factors that affect the
magnitude of the maximum induced e.m.f..

(iii) At constant angular velocity, the magnetic flux linkage through the coil depends on the angle that the coil
makes with the magnetic field and varies sinusoidally with time. Since the induced e.m.f. is proportional to the rate
of change of the magnetic flux linkage, it will also vary sinusoidally with time.
**Note that it is stated specifically in the examiners report that students are expected to make reference to
Faradays law.

5. = NBA sin t
E = NBA cos t
Emax = NBA = 500(0.20)(0.05)(0.04)(2)(5.0) = 0.63 V

6. E = -d/dt, hence the E-t graph is given by the negative of the gradient of the -t graph.
Between t = 0 and T1, the gradient is positive and constant.
Between T1 and T2, the gradient is zero.
Between T2 and T3, the gradient is negative and constant but the magnitude is smaller that between t = 0 and T 1.
Answer: C

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7. The largest possible induced e.m.f will give the largest current since the resistance in the circuit is constant. The
largest induced e.m.f is produced between t = 0 and t = 2s, as that is the time with the largest rate of change in the
flux linkage (Faradays law) or you can think about it as the portion with the steepest gradient.
Emax = (d/dt)max = A(dB/dt)max = (0.20)(0.60/2) = 0.060 V
Imax = 0.060/0.25 = 0.24 A

8. General strategy to obtaining the E-t graph is to sketch the -t graph first. Then apply E = - d/dt.
(Note that for MCQs, sometimes there is no answer corresponding to E = - d/dt. In that case, look for E = d/dt
instead.)
Assume that at t = 0, the semi-circle frame is completely outside the field. Hence the flux it encloses is zero. As
the semi-circle frame rotates into the B-field at constant angular velocity, the area within the frame that encloses
flux increases at a constant rate. This continues, until the whole semi-circle frame is inside the B-field where the
flux encloses is maximum. The semi-circle frame would have gone through half a revolution, which corresponds to
half a period. For the second half of the period, the area of the frame that encloses flux decreases at a constant
rate as the frame rotates out of the B-field, hence the flux it encloses decreases at a constant rate too. From the
-t graph, we now use gradient to determine the induced e.m.f. From the options, the best answer is A, which
uses E = d/dt.
Answer: A

t
T 2T
E

T 2T t

9. As the magnet approaches, the induced current will flow such as to produce a S-pole at the top of the solenoid. As
the magnet leaves, the induced current will flow such as to produce a S-pole at the bottom of the solenoid. Hence,
we xpect to observe 2 signals, with opposite polarity or sign. However, the speed of the magnet increases with
time as it is experiencing free fall. The speed at which it leaves the coil will be faster than when it enters. Hence by
Faradays law, the magnitude of the induced e.m.f. is larger at the exit point.
Answer: A

10. General strategy: draw the change in flux linkage through the frame with respect to time. Then use E = -d/dt.
The graph of the induced current will be identical to the E-t graph.
From O to A: the frame enters the B-field at constant speed, hence the flux enclosed by the frame increases at a
constant rate, til the frame is completely in the B-field at A.
From A to B: the whole frame encloses constant flux til B where the frame starts leaving the field. (note that even if
the speed is changing, the flux enclosed by the frame would still remain a constant.
From B to C: the frame starts leaving the B-field, and the flux it encloses decreases at a constant rate.

t
A B C
E or I

A B C t

Note that in reality, the speed of the frame will not be a constant. Between OA and BC, there will be an induced
current flowing in the frame as the frame forms a closed loop. The existence of the induced current will result in an
induced magnetic force that opposes the motion of the frame. Hence the frame is expected to slow down between
OA and BC.
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11. The frequency directly affects the rate of change of magnetic flux linkage. Hence, with half the frequency, the
magnitude of the induced e.m.f. which is proportional to the rate of change of flux linkage will be halved too. Half
the frequency also equates to doubling the period.
Answer: A
2
12. E = A(dB/dt) = (0.20) (1.50 0.50)/0.032 = 1.25 V
I = 1.25/10 = 0.125 A
Since the magnetic flux density, and hence the magnetic flux linkage, through the loop is decreasing, by Lenzs
law, current will flow clockwise to produce a magnetic field that is into the page to oppose the decreasing flux
linkage.
Answer: D

13. (a) = NBA = 30(0.50)(0.025) = 0.375 Wb

(b) (i) = NBA cos t
(ii) E = -d/dt = NBA sin t = (0.375)(60) sin 60t = 22.5 sin 60t

14. (i) = NBA = 80(0.20)(0.100.08) = 0.128 Wb

E = (0.128 0)/5.0 = 0.0256 V
(Note that you should not be using the area of the circular coil in the calculation. The B-field only exists within the
poles of the magnet, hence only an area equivalent to that of the pole of the magnet within the circular coil will
have magnetic flux.)
(ii) I = 0.0256/24 = 1.07 mA
(iii) The coil experiences a decreasing flux linkage. By Lenzs law, the induced current in the coil will flow to
oppose the decrease in the flux linkage by generating a magnetic field in the same direction as that of the magnet.
Hence the induced current flows clockwise viewed from the N-pole of the magnet.

15. (a) The magnitude of the emf induced in the ring is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux linking the
ring.
(b) Clockwise viewed from the top. By Lenzs law, the induced current flows to produce an effect to oppose the
increase in flux linkage. Current in the direction indicated produces a field in the opposite direction to the existing
field.
0.12 1.8 103
(c) Induced current I E A( dt )
2
dB
5.4 103 A
R R 1.5 102
-2
16. (a)(i) 3.3 10 T
-2 -4
(ii) Flux linkage = NBA = 250(3.3 10 )(1.7 10 ) = 1.40 mWb
-4
(b)(i) new flux linkage = 7.23 10 Wb
-3 -4 -4
Change = decrease of (1.403 10 7.23 10 ) = 6.80 10 Wb
(ii) Faradays law states that the magnitude of the induced e.m.f. E is proportional to the rate of change of
-4
magnetic lux linkage. Hence, E = 7 10 /0.35 = 2 mV
(c)(ii) As the coil is pulled further, induced current produces a magnetic field in the coil in the same direction as the
field of the magnet. This produces a force to oppose the motion of the coil, i.e. an attractive force between the
magnet and the coil. Lenzs law is a statement of conservation of energy. Work has to be done in order to move
the coil further. The mechanical work done is converted into electrical energy in the coil. This electrical energy will
eventually dissipate as heat in the resistance of the coil.

17. (i) Current flows through the rod from top to bottom. By Flemings left-hand-rule, the rod experiences a force to the
right. Hence the rod will accelerate to the right.
(ii) Resolving the normal contact force into horizontal and vertical components.
Normal contact force, N
Y

B
Side View magnetic force, FB

Z mg

Vertically, N cos = mg
Horizontally, N sin = BIL
From the 2 equations above, tan = BIL/mg = (0.25)(5.0)(0.120)/(0.00809.81)
= 62.4

3
18. (bi) motional emf, E = BLv
Most students got this correct, but do follow the symbols given in the question.
(bii) at the top end of the bar
Many students got this wrong. I guess its because they thought current flow from high to low potential? But
within an emf source (e.g., battery), current is pumped from low to high potential.
(ci) When the switch S is closed, the circuit is now complete. The induced emf will cause a current to flow in the
external resistor. Using Flemings Right Hand Rule, an induced current flows in a clockwise direction.
The induced current flows through the rod in the magnetic field results in a magnetic force acting to the left
(using Flemings Left Hand Rule). Since there is a net force in the opposite direction to the initial velocity vo, the
rod will therefore slow down.
In general there are 3 ways to answer this question.
1. Using magnetic force this is actually the easiest way. When the switched is closed, an induced current
flows in the circuit (direction can be found by FRHR). The induced current in the existing B field will
experienced a leftward magnetic force (direction can be found by FLHR), which causes the rod to
decelerate. As simple as that.
2. Using Lenzs Law this is actually a very difficult way of explaining. Lenzs Law states that the current
induced in a circuit flows in a direction that produces a magnetic field opposing the change in flux that
produces the current. Many students invoked Lenzs Law and immediately claimed that must be an
opposition to the motion of the rod. One must clearly explain how there is an induced magnetic force on
the rod which causes it to slow down.
3. Using conservation of energy to use this correctly, one has to clearly show the conversion of kinetic
energy of the rod to electrical energy in the circuit to heat dissipated by the resistor. One might also need
to explain why the rod slows down, instead of coming to rest (immediately).
Common misconceptions:
When the switch is closed, somehow the induced emf/current decreases, or the resistor takes away
some emf, hence the rod slows down. Huh?!!
There is induced emf only when the switch is closed. There is induced emf regardless whether the
switch is opened or closed. However, an induced current will flow only when the circuit is completed.
(cii) Induced current, I = BLv / R
2 2
Induced magnetic force, F = BIL = B(BLv / R)L = B L v / R
Most students got this correct, but do be aware that in proving type question, you need to show your steps
clearly. Dont try to anyhow humtum, its very obvious to the marker!
(ciii) v

vo

[1] mark for recognizing the exponential decrease

0
0
t

This is an exponentially decreasing graph (asymptote is v = 0). Note that there is a y-intercept (t = 0 is not an
asymptote), which is v0 (must be labeled).

19. When the whole frame is immersed in the B-field, the action of
pulling it out does not induce any e.m.f., since there is no change in
the flux linkage. However, once one side of the frame leaves the B- A A
field, then there is a decreasing magnetic flux linkage as the frame v FB
continues to leave the B-field. We can also see it as side AD cutting v
the flux and hence, an e.m.f is induced in AD, and since the circuit
D D
is closed, there will be an induced current. This induced current will
now result in a force opposing the motion and hence work needs to
be done to overcome this magnetic force.
region of B Field
Induced emf in coil as coil is pulled out = BLv
Induced current in coil = BLv/R
2 2
Force on the coil = BIL = B(BLv/R)L = B L v/R
2 3
Work done = F L = B L v/R

4
Level 2

1. (i) As rod moves to the right, the free electrons in the metal also move to the right. By Flemings left-hand rule they
experience a downward magnetic force. As the electrons move down, the lower end will be at a lower potential
than the top. A p.d. is therefore set up.
However, as the negative charges accumulate at the lower end, an internal E-field is set up and starts repelling
the electrons moving downwards. However the net force is still downwards. Equilibrium is achieved when the
magnetic force sue to the external B-field is equal to the electric force due to the internal E-field. Net force on the
free electrons and no further accumulation of charges takes place. The p.d. set up is fixed.
(ii) V = BLv. V
2
Since acceleration is constant, v = 2as v = (2as)
Therefore V = BL(2as)
(iii) E = (0.20)(0.70) (2)(9.81)(0.50) = 0.438 V
s

2. Consider the region of the disc in the magnetic field.

Break up that region into many small elementary strips rotating and
cutting the magnetic flux. Using FRHR, we can deduce that the
direction of the induced current is downwards along this strip.

Answer: A
B-field into the page
small strip of page
conductor
induced current

direction of motion
of strip
3. (i) When the magnet moves up and down the coil experiences a change in flux linkage, by Faradays law, an emf
is induced. A current flows because it is a closed circuit. By Lenzs law, the current is in one direction when the
magnet moves down and in the opposite direction when the magnet moves up, hence alternating.
(ii) Alternating current sets up alternating field in Q. Interaction of alternating field and field of magnet Y produces
alternating force on Y, and Y is driven/forced to oscillate.
(iii) Motion of X will be damped. The mechanical energy will be dissipated as heat in the resistance of the coil as
well as the mechanical energy of Y. Eventually, all will be lost as heat in the resistance of the coil.

4. (a) Refer to lecture notes.

2
(bi) 1. resistance needed = V 602
3.6
P 1.0 103
3.6
Number of turns = 44
8.2 102
P 4 107 44 1.0 10
3

0 N
2. B 0NI V 60 6.1 104 T
2r D 1.5
E N EA
0 N
0NI N D 0EA
0
(bii) B R
2r 2r D
The final expression is independent of N, hence the B remains constant. Basically, the increase in the number
of turns, N will cause the current to fall by the same factor.

(c)(i)1. When switch is closed, there is an increase in the magnetic field produced by coil B due to the increase in
the current in the circuit. As a result, coil A experiences an increasing magnetic flux linkage. By Lenzs law, to
oppose the increase in the magnetic flux linkage, the current induced in A flows clockwise to reduce the flux
linkage. Once the current in circuit B reaches the maximum/constant value, there will not be any current in coil A.
Answer: Clockwise
2. The shifting of the slider towards Q also increases the current in B, hence the same effect as part (1) is
observed. Answer: Clockwise
3. When the switch is now open, the current in coil B decreases from a high value to zero. During this interval of
time, the current flows anticlockwise in coil A to oppose the decrease in the magnetic linkage due to coil B.
Answer: Anticlockwise

(ii)1. Cosine curve

2. Negative sine curve

5
 2
5. (ii) s = ut + at
2
0.33 = (9.81)t t = 0.26 s. This is the time that would be taken if the cylinder falls freely under gravity, and this
is indeed what was recorded experimentally.
(iii) and (iv) As the magnet falls through the tube, the copper tube cuts the magnetic flux produced by the magnet.
By Faradays law, an emf is induced in the tube.
An induced current (eddy current) flows in the tube. This current produces a magnetic force to oppose the descent
of the magnet.
The magnet therefore experiences an upward magnetic force that reduces its resultant force from mg. Its resultant
acceleration is less than g.
Additional: As the magnet gains speed downward, the upward magnetic force increases until it is equal to mg. At
this point, the magnet descends with terminal velocity. And in terms of energy, kinetic energy of the magnet is
converted to electrical energy and then heat dissipated in the tube.

Without the magnet falling the Newton-metre would read 0.91 N. Since the tube exerts an upward force on the
rd
falling magnet, by Newtons 3 law the magnet exerts an equal downward force on the tube. Hence the Newton-
metre reads a value larger than the weight of the tube.

6a) Magnetic flux density is defined as the force per unit current in a wire of unit length at right angles to the field.

Current Direction
going out of of
the page magnetic
field

- Concentric circles whose distance apart increases with distance from the current
- Direction of B-field lines correct based on chosen direction of current
- Current and magnetic field clearly labelled

bii) When the tool closes around the cable, the iron core intercepts the magnetic flux produced by the cable.
Since the magnetic flux enclosed varies with time, by Faradays Law, e.m.f. is induced in the windings. This
e.m.f. is recorded by the a.c. meter, calibrated in terms of the current in the cable.

biii) Since the iron core is a electrical conductor, the changing magnetic flux induces currents to flow in the iron
core causing joule heating.

6.0 103 (100 2 )

ci) Bmax 6.75 6.8T
2 20 103
cii) max BA 6.75 13 103 7 103 6.14 104 = 6.1 x 10-4 Wb
d dB
E NA
dt dt
ciii)
E max NABmax 50 2 50 6.14 10 4 9.64V
E max
E r . m. s 6.82V 6.8V
2

d) When there is no fault, the currents in the two wires are of the same magnitude flowing in opposite direction.
Hence the net magnetic flux in the sensing coil is zero. When a fault develops, the return current is smaller
resulting in a net magnetic flux through the sensing coil. This increase in the magnetic flux through the
sensing coil results in an induced e.m.f in the sensing coil. This induced e.m.f. is used to trigger a circuit
breaker, stopping the current quickly.