Physics Lab Proposal: Electromagnetic Induction

Running head: ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
1
Physics lab proposal: Electromagnetic Induction
Student
Institutional affiliation

ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION 2
Introduction
The reason as to why this topic has been chosen is because it is one of the most important
branches of the study of the behaviour of electricity; induced current production. It is among the
foundations of electrical production and transmission. Michael Faraday found out that whenever
there is a slight alteration in the magnetic flux transient through a loop of wire, then a voltage
(Electromotive Force) is usually induced in the wire. It is from this behaviour that electric motors
derive their mechanical energy that is applied in many areas. The production alternating current
of electricity also applies the knowledge of induction. This laboratory proposal is going to delve
into the production and measurement of the induced EMF using bar magnet and electromagnets.
Theory
This lab is going to be divided into two parts. The first task will be understanding and
proving electromagnetic induction qualitatively. This will be attained by demonstrating how
Lenz’s Law is used. According to Lenz’s Law, an object will produce its own magnetic field that
tries to oppose the magnetic field at which it was introduced (Jefimenko, 2011). The experiment
will then test the measurement of induced voltage (EMF) that is produced by changing the
magnetic flux of a coil.
ΦB=B∗A 1
Where A is the area of the coil (cross-sectional) and B is the magnetic field
This is because EMF causes the flow of induced current in the circuit. Based on Faraday's
law, the magnitude of the induced voltage (EMF) in a loop is equivalent to the rate of the change
of the magnet flux (φB) in the loop with time (t).

ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION 3
emf =−N ∆ ΦB
∆ t = −N d ΦB
dt 2
Where
N sum of coils of the conducting loop and φB is magnetic flux
The negative sign in equation 2 above is Lenz’s law. It is used to determine the direction of the
EMF induced (Moullin, 2015). The direction of the current is determined by the right-hand rule.
Based on the right-hand rule, if a coil is grasped in the right hand such that the fingers point in
the direction of the current induced in the coil, the thumb will point the North Pole of the
electromagnet.
Apparatus
Galvanometer, Aluminium rod, Iron rod, Primary and secondary coils, Connecting wires, bar
magnet and DC power supply
Objective
The goal of this experiment will be to qualitatively study the Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws
of electromagnetic induction.
Part I
Induction Using A bar Magnet
In this experiment, the EMF (voltage) induced by altering the magnetic flux of a coil is
observed. The garnet flux in this case due to the magnet field of the bar magnet. The connections
will be done as the figure 1 below. The coil (secondary coil) will first be inspected to establish
(note the small holes) the direction of the induced current.