Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electric current by a changing magnetic field (magnetic flux).

8.3.1 Inducing e.m.f. and current

The induced current is produced only when there is relative motion between the conductor / coil and the magnetic field lines
(magnetic flux) that are perpendicular to each other.

E.m.f and current can be induced by:

(a) moving a straight wire quickly across a magnetic field (b) Moving a permanent magnet towards one end of a
between two flat magnets. solenoid.

Each time the straight wire cuts across the magnetic field, or the permanent magnet moves towards the solenoid, a current is
induced in the coil and a deflection is observed in the sensitive galvanometer.
8.3.2 Determining the direction of the induced current

Fleming’s Right Hand Rule

Activity 1: To Investigate electromagnetic induction

Action Obseravtion Inference

The wire is moved Galvanometer deflect
upwards to left
The wire is moved
downwards
The wire is move
horizontally
Magnet is moved
upwards
Held stationary

Discussion
1. What general inference can you make if a galvanometer shows a deflection?
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Based on the results of your experiment, when will an induced current be produced?
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Relate the motion of the copper rod that produces a current in it to the direction of the magnetic field lines.
_________________________________________________________________________
Induced e.m.f by coil

1. Write a general statement on how a current can be induced in a solenoid using a magnet.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Conclusion
• Current is __________ in a straight conductor when it moves and _______________ the magnetic field lines.
• Current is induced in a solenoid when there is _________ ________ between the solenoid and a magnet.

8.3.2.1 Lenz’s Law

Lenz’s Law: The direction of the induced current is such that its magnetic effect always opposes the change producing it.
The solenoid will always resist any movement of the magnet relative to the solenoid.
 When the bar magnet is inserted into the solenoid, the solenoid will try to repel the bar magnet. Therefore, the
polarity of that end of the solenoid will be the same as the bar magnet’s.

Using the right-hand grip rule

 When the bar magnet is removed from the solenoid, the solenoid will try to attract the bar magnet. Therefore, the
polarity of that end of the solenoid will be the opposite of the bar magnet’s.
Activity 2: Show the correct direction of the induced current when the magnet is moved in the direction shown.

What is the direction of the induced

Determine the poles at P and Q.
current?

8.3.3 Determining the magnitude of the induced current (Faraday’s Law)

Faraday’s Law: The magnitude of the induced e.m.f. is directly proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux.

If there is no relative motion between a magnet and a solenoid, there is no electromagnetic induction.

To increase the e.m.f. and current:

 Increase the relative motion
 Increase the number of turns on the coils
 Increase the magnetic strength
 Increase the cross-section area of the wire
 Insert a soft iron core in between the coils of the wire

Applications of electromagnetic induction

Current Generator
 Current generator functions by converting mechanical energy to electrical energy.
 Current generator works based on electromagnetic induction and uses the Fleming’s Right hand rule.
 Current generator is divided into: direct current generator and alternate current generator.

Direct Current Generator

Commutator: reverses the connections of the coil with
the external circuit after every half cycle, so that the
current in the outside circuit always flows in the same
direction.

Describe how does a direct current generator work. Show the direction of movement of the coil AB and CD. Mark the
direction of the induced current in the coil and the galvanometer.

• Coil AB moves ___________, coil CD moves
_______
• When the coil rotates, its sides cut across the
magnetic field lines and induced current flows in the
coil from _________________
• The galvanometer will deflect to ________
• The sides AB and CD are moving __________ to the
magnetic field and thus do not ________ the magnetic field
lines.
• No __________ _________ is produced at the instant.
• The galvanometer returns to ______ mark.

• The sides AB and CD are moving __________ to the

• As the coil continues to rotate, current will
again be induced in the coil but its direction in
now opposite to that in figure 1 which is from
____ to _____ and from _____ to ____
• However, the direction of the current through
the external circuit remains the same, so the
galvanometer deflects to the ___________
magnetic field and thus do not ________ the magnetic field
lines.
• No ___________ _________ is produced at the instant.
• The galvanometer returns to ______ mark.
• The process is ____________

Alternating Current Generator

• The two ends of the coil are connected to
two slip rings which rotate with the coil.
• Each slip ring is always in contact with the • The output current generated is an altern.ating current because the
same carbon brush. current changes direction in the external circuit each time the coil
passes the vertical position.
•
Assume the current flow from P to Q is positive and the current flow
from Q to P is negative. The current, I changes magnitude and
direction after every half rotation.
Describe how an alternating current generator works. Show the direction of movement of the coil AB and CD. Mark the
direction of the induced current in the coil and the galvanometer.

• Coil AB moves _________, coil CD moves _________

• The sides AB and CD are moving _____ to the
• When the coil rotates, its sides cut across the magnetic magnetic field and thus do not _______ the magnetic
field lines and induced current flows in the coil from field lines.
______ to _______ and from _____ to _____ (using
• No ________ ________ is produced at the instant.
Fleming’s right hand rule)
• The galvanometer returns to ______ mark.
• In the external circuits, current flows from ____to ____

• After the vertical position, the current increases until it

attains the maximum value when the coil is in a
horizontal position.
• Coil CD moves _________, coil AB moves _________
• The direction of the induced current is from ____ to
____ and from ___ to _____
• The direction of the current through the external circuit
is from the brush _____ to _____ which is reversed.
• The sides AB and CD are moving __ _______ to the
magnetic field and thus do not _______ the magnetic
field lines.
• No _________ __________is produced at the instant.
• The galvanometer returns to ______ mark.
• The process is ____________.

8.3.4 Direct Current & Alternating Current

1. A direct current is a current that flows in one direction only 1. An alternating current is a current which flows to and fro in
in a circuit. two opposite directions in a circuit. It changes its direction
2. The magnitude of a direct current may be: periodically.
(a) constant
(b) changes with time
A direct current can flow through a resistor but cannot flow
An alternating current can flow through both a resistor and a
through a capacitor.
capacitor.
Both the direct current and alternating current have a heating effect on the filament of a bulb and can light up the bulb.

TUTORIAL 8.3
1. Diagram below shows a permanent
magnet moving towards and entering the
end of a coil of wire connected to a
sensitive galvanometer.
4. Which diagram below shows the
correct direction of the induced
current in the coil when the bar
magnet is moved in the direction
shown? (2005)
7. A straight conductor is moved
perpendicularly to the magnetic
field.
Which of the following diagrams
shows the correct direction of the
induced current in the conductor?
(2006)

Which of the following observations is

correct?
A. The magnetic field passing through
the coil is unchanged.
B. The induced current passes through
the galvanometer in the direction
from P to Q.
C. The induced current passes through
the galvanometer in the direction
from Q to P.
D. The heat energy produced in the coil
is more than the work done to move
the magnet.

2. Diagram below shows the

arrangement of a solenoid and a
magnet. 5. The diagram shows a coil of wire
placed next to a magnet. The
galvanometer pointer deflects when
the magnet is pushed into the coil.
8. Diagram below shows a square
coil rotating at a steady speed in a
magnetic field.

Which of the following statement is not a
method to produce induced e.m.f. in the
solenoid? (2006)
A. The magnet is pulled out of the
solenoid.
B. The solenoid is moved towards the
magnet.
C. The magnet is moved into the
solenoid
D. The magnet and the solenoid are
moved at the same velocity.
Which graph shows the fluctuation in
the current flowing through the lamp
starting with the coil being in the
horizontal position?
Which action will increase the deflection
of the galvanometer pointer? (2004)
A. The magnetic pole is reversed.
B. The number of coils is increased.
C. The coil is made from insulated wire
D. The magnet is pushed slowly into the

3. The diagram shows a magnet
oscillating in a solenoid.
Which of these actions will not increase
the deflection of the galvanometer
pointer? (2003)
A. Reversing the polarity of the magnet.
B. Increasing the number of coils in the
solenoid
C. Decreasing the diameter of the
solenoid
D. Increasing the oscillation speed of
the magnet
10. Diagram below shows a direct
current generator. Part of the coil XY
rotates clockwise.
Which of the following XY position of the
coil which does not produce induced
current? (1995)
11. Diagram 24 shows an experiment to
induce current in a magnetic field.
Which movement of the copper rod
induces the maximum current? (2008)
coil.
6. Diagram below shows an electric
generator whose output terminals are
connected to a cathode-ray oscilloscope.
Which of the following diagrams shows
the trace on the oscilloscope when the
coil is rotating at uniform speed? (2003)
(ii) the wire is moved vertically upwards
at a higher speed.
____________________________
(iii) The wire is held stationary in
between the poles of the magnet.
____________________________
13. The south pole of a bar magnet is
moved towards a solenoid that it
connected to a sensitive centre-zero
galvanometer.
(a) Mark on the solenoid:
(i) the end that will become a south pole.
(ii) The direction of the induced current.
(b) State three ways to increase the
induced current in the solenoid
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
14. Diagram 4 shows a bar magnet is
hung on a spring that attached to a retort
stand. The bar magnet is displaced
downwards and released so it can
oscillate through a solenoid which is
connected to a centre-zero galvanometer
(a) What is meant by electromagnetic
Induction
…………………………………………
[1 mark]
(b) When the bar magnet move towards
9. Diagram below shows a solenoid.
Which of the following rules may
be used to determine the direction
of the current in the coil? (2007)
A. Fleming’s Left Hand Rule
B. Fleming’s Right Hand Rule
C. Right hand Screw Rule
D. Right Hand Grip Rule
Diagram 6.2
(a) State the physical quantity that is
represented by the deflection of
the galvanometer.
………………………………………
[1 mark]
(b) Based on Diagram 6.1 and
Diagram 6.2:
(i) State two differences that can be
observed from Diagram 6.1 and
Diagram 6.2.
………………………………………
………………………………………
………………………………………
[2 marks]
(ii) Based on the answer in (b)(i),
explain why these differences
occur?
...................................................
...................................................
...................................................
[2 marks]
(c) Name the physics law involved in
6(b)(ii).
.......................................................
[1 mark]
(d) Explain why the direction of
current in the solenoid is upward
as shown in Diagram 6.1 and
Diagram 6.2?
......................................................
……………………………….
[2 marks]
 the solenoid, the galvanometer pointer 16. The diagram shows the structural
deflect for a while. design of a generator.
(i) Explain why the galvanometer
pointer deflects?
………………………………………
………………………………………
[2 marks]
12. A straight thick copper wire that is (ii) State the polarity of end A and end
connected to a sensitive centre-zero B of the solenoid.
galvanometer is moved vertically A: …………………………………
downwards in a magnetic field. B: …………………………………
[2 marks]

15. Diagram 6.1 and 6.2 show a bar

magnet is pushed into a solenoid at a
speed of 2 ms-1. (a) Name the principle used in the
generator.
(a) Mark on the wire the direction of the ______________________________
induced current that flows through it. (b) Mark the directions of current flow
(b) Name the rule that is used to work in WX and YZ when the side WX
out the direction of the current. of the coil is displaced in
________________________________ downwards direction.
(c) Describe the effect on the induced (c) Draw a graph to show the
current if: variation with time of the current in
(i) the wire is moved vertically upwards at Diagram 6.1 conductor YZ.
a low speed,
____________________________
15. The diagram shows a pendulum bob
attached to the end of copper wire. The
bob is allowed to swing between north
and south pole of two magnets.

(a) When the switch is closed and the

bob oscillates inside the magnetic
field ,the pointer the centre-zero
galvanometer deflects to the left and
then to the right continuously.
Explain why this observation happens?
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________

(b) State the type of the current

produced.

(c) Plot a graph current-time to relate

the observation in(a)

(d)(i) Based on the diagram above, at

what positions the reading of the
galvanometer is zero.
_____________________________
(ii) Give the reason for your answer in
(c)(i).
______________________________
(e) What types of energy possesses by
the bob at point M?
_______________________________
(f) (i) Compare the time taken by the
pendulum to stop between the
switch is opened with the switch
is closed.
______________________________

(ii) Give the reason for your answer in

f(i)
________________________________