Q.Consider Experiment 6.2.
Concept understanding — Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic induction is the phenomenon in which a changing magnetic flux through a circuit produces an electromotive force (emf) — and hence a current, if the circuit is closed. It is the single idea behind generators, transformers, inductors, and the entire AC power grid.
The Central Discovery
Michael Faraday found (1831) that a current is induced in a coil not when a magnet sits still near it, but only while the magnet moves — that is, only while the magnetic flux linked with the coil is changing. A steady magnet, however strong, induces nothing.
Magnetic Flux
The key quantity is magnetic flux ΦB through a surface of area A in a field B:
ΦB=B⋅A=BAcosθ
where θ is the angle between B and the area's normal. Its SI unit is the weber (Wb), where 1 Wb=1 T⋅m2.
Flux can change in three distinct ways, and any of them induces an emf:
- the field strength B changes,
- the area A of the loop changes,
- the orientation θ changes (a coil rotating in a field — the basis of the generator).
Faraday's Law
The induced emf equals the negative rate of change of flux. For a coil of N turns:
E=−NdtdΦB
The faster the flux changes, the larger the emf. This is why a magnet dropped quickly through a coil gives a bigger deflection than one moved slowly.
Lenz's Law — the Minus Sign
The negative sign expresses Lenz's law: the induced current flows in the direction that opposes the change producing it. Push a magnet's north pole toward a coil, and the coil's near face becomes a north pole to repel it; pull it away, and the face becomes a south pole to attract it. This is simply energy conservation — you must do work against this opposition, and that work becomes the electrical energy of the induced current.
Motional emf
A special, very useful case: a conducting rod of length l moving with speed v perpendicular to a field B sweeps out area and develops an emf
E=Blv
Here the emf arises because the free charges in the rod experience a magnetic force qv×B, which drives them along the rod.
Induction does not require physical contact or a battery. It is the change of flux that matters, not its value. A loop sitting in a huge but constant field has zero induced emf.
Where It Leads
Once a coil's own changing current induces an emf in itself, we call it self-inductance (L); when one coil's changing current induces emf in a neighbour, that is mutual inductance (M). Both are direct consequences of Faraday's law. Rotate a coil steadily in a magnetic field and the sinusoidal emf it produces is exactly the alternating voltage that runs the AC circuits studied in this chapter.
Faraday's and Lenz's laws of electromagnetic induction form one of the highest-weightage chapters in NCERT Class 12 Physics, tested extensively in CBSE boards, JEE Main and NEET. Anyone searching "Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction formula and examples class 12 physics" will find this changing-flux explanation, including the motional emf case, is exactly how NCERT presents the chapter.
Why this formula?
Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic induction is the effect discovered by Faraday: a changing magnetic flux through a circuit drives an induced EMF (and hence a current). The key word is changing — a steady field, however strong, induces nothing.
Magnetic flux
Flux measures how many field lines thread a surface bounded by the loop:
ΦB=∫B⋅dA=BAcosθ
It can change three ways: by changing B, by changing the area A, or by rotating the loop (changing θ).
Faraday's law
The induced EMF equals the rate of change of flux:
E=−dtdΦB
For a coil of N turns, E=−NdtdΦB. The EMF depends on how fast the flux changes, not on the flux itself — a slow change gives a small EMF, a rapid change a large one.
Lenz's law — the minus sign
The negative sign is Lenz's law: the induced current flows in the direction that opposes the change producing it. Push a magnet's north pole toward a coil and the coil's near face becomes a north pole to repel it; pull it away and the face becomes a south pole to attract it. This opposition is required by energy conservation — you must do work against the induced current, and that work is what becomes electrical energy. If the current instead aided the change, energy would be created from nothing.
A worked idea
A rod of length l slides at speed v along rails in a field B. In time dt it sweeps area lvdt, so the flux changes by dΦB=Blvdt, giving a motional EMF:
E=dtdΦB=Blv
The same result follows from the magnetic force q(v×B) pushing free electrons to one end of the rod — a direct check that Faraday's law and the Lorentz force tell one consistent story.
The key idea is Electromagnetic Induction: a changing magnetic flux through coil C1 induces an EMF in it, and the induced current (and thus the galvanometer deflection) depends on the rate of change of that flux — here the flux is produced by the current-carrying coil C2, not a magnet.
(a) To obtain a large deflection of the galvanometer, one or more of the following:
- Use a rod of soft iron inside coil C2 — this concentrates the field and increases the flux linked with C1.
- Connect C2 to a more powerful battery — a larger current in C2 produces a larger field.
- Move C2 rapidly towards (or away from) C1 — the induced emf depends on the rate of change of flux, so a faster motion gives a bigger deflection.
(b) To demonstrate induced current without a galvanometer: replace the galvanometer with a small bulb (the kind found in a torch light). The relative motion between the two coils causes the bulb to glow momentarily, directly showing the presence of an induced current.
- Use a soft-iron core inside C2, a stronger battery for C2, and/or move C2 rapidly towards/away from C1 — each increases the rate of change of flux linked with C1.
- Replace the galvanometer with a small bulb; it glows briefly whenever the coils are in relative motion, showing the induced current.
This question is about NCERT's Experiment 6.2 — coil C2, carrying a steady current from a battery, is moved relative to a stationary coil C1 that is wired to a galvanometer G (Fig 6.2), not a bar magnet. To get a large deflection: insert a soft-iron rod inside C2, use a more powerful battery for C2, or move C2 faster. Without a galvanometer, a small bulb in place of G will glow whenever the coils are in relative motion.
What Experiment 6.2 actually is
Unlike Experiment 6.1 (a bar magnet moved near a coil), NCERT's Experiment 6.2 uses two coils: coil C2 is connected to a battery (through a tapping key), so it carries a steady current and behaves like an electromagnet; coil C1 is connected to a galvanometer G. When C2 is moved towards or away from C1, G deflects — and reverses direction when C2's motion reverses. The deflection lasts only while C2 is actually moving; it is the relative motion between the two coils, not the presence of a magnet, that induces the current.
(a) How to obtain a large deflection of the galvanometer?
The galvanometer deflection is proportional to the induced current in C1, which by Faraday's law depends on the rate of change of the flux C1 links from C2's field:
E=−N1dtdΦB
So, to get a large deflection:
- Insert a soft-iron rod inside coil C2. Iron has a high magnetic permeability, so it dramatically strengthens C2's field for the same current — this is exactly the effect NCERT's own Experiment 6.3 discussion notes: "the deflection increases dramatically when an iron rod is inserted into the coils along their axis."
- Connect C2 to a more powerful battery. A larger current in C2 produces a stronger field, so moving it produces a bigger change of flux in C1.
- Move the arrangement (coil C2) rapidly towards the test coil C1. Since the induced emf depends on the rate of change of flux, a fast motion gives a much bigger deflection than a slow one.
The apparatus here is two COILS, not a bar magnet and a coil — that setup is Experiment 6.1, a different experiment from the one this question actually asks about ("Consider Experiment 6.2").
(b) How to demonstrate induced current without a galvanometer?
Replace the galvanometer by a small bulb — the kind found in a small torch light. The relative motion between the two coils will cause the bulb to glow (even briefly), directly demonstrating the presence of an induced current without needing a sensitive current-measuring instrument.
In experimental physics one must learn to innovate — Michael Faraday, ranked among the best experimentalists ever, was legendary for exactly this kind of innovative substitution.
- Insert a soft-iron rod inside coil C2, use a more powerful battery for C2, and/or move C2 rapidly towards C1 — each increases the rate of change of flux linked with C1, giving a larger galvanometer deflection.
- Replace the galvanometer with a small bulb; the relative motion between the two coils will make it glow, demonstrating the induced current.
Method: Faraday’s Law & Lenz’s Law Analysis
This method uses the core principles of electromagnetic induction to predict and demonstrate induced current effects.
(a) To obtain a large deflection of the galvanometer:
Steps:
-
Increase the speed of relative motion
Move the magnet (or coil) faster. A larger rate of change of magnetic flux (dtdϕ) produces a larger induced EMF (E=−Ndtdϕ).
-
Use a stronger magnet
A stronger magnetic field (B) increases the magnetic flux ϕ=BAcosθ, so any change in flux is larger.
-
Increase the number of turns (N) in the coil
Induced EMF is directly proportional to N: E∝N.
-
Use a coil with a larger area (A)
Larger area means more flux for the same field, hence a bigger change.
-
Insert a soft iron core inside the coil
This concentrates and strengthens the magnetic field, increasing flux linkage.
Key result: The galvanometer deflection is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux linkage. Faster motion, stronger magnet, more turns, larger area, and an iron core all increase this rate.
(b) To demonstrate induced current without a galvanometer:
Steps:
-
Use a small LED or bulb
Connect the coil to a small LED (light-emitting diode). When the magnet moves relative to the coil, the induced current makes the LED glow briefly.
-
Use a compass needle
Place a compass near a wire connected to the coil. When current is induced, the magnetic field around the wire deflects the compass needle.
-
Use a current-carrying coil and a magnetic needle
Connect the induced current to a small coil. Bring a magnetic needle near it — the needle will deflect, showing current flow.
-
Use a loudspeaker or earphone
Connect the coil to a small earphone. Moving the magnet produces a clicking sound due to induced current pulses.
Key result: Any device that responds to small electric currents (LED, compass, earphone) can replace the galvanometer. The induced current is real — it can light a bulb or move a needle.
Final takeaway:
- Large deflection → maximize dtdϕ (speed, strength, turns, area, core).
- No galvanometer → use any current-sensitive device (LED, compass, earphone).
Here are the common mistakes students make on this question (based on NCERT Experiment 6.2 on Electromagnetic Induction) and how to avoid each.
Mistake 1: Confusing "Large Deflection" with "Large Current" Only
The Error: Students often say "use a stronger magnet" or "increase the number of turns in the coil" but forget the speed of motion. They treat it as a static situation.
Why it’s wrong: Induced EMF depends on the rate of change of magnetic flux (ε=−dtdϕ). A strong magnet alone won't help if you move it slowly.
How to Avoid:
- Always link deflection to rate of change.
- For a large deflection, you need:
- Faster motion of the magnet (higher dtdϕ).
- Stronger magnet (higher ϕ).
- More turns in the coil (higher N in ε=−Ndtdϕ).
- Correct Answer: Move the magnet quickly in and out of the coil, use a stronger magnet, or use a coil with more turns.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the "Relative Motion" Requirement
The Error: Students say "keep the magnet stationary inside the coil" to get a large deflection.
Why it’s wrong: If the magnet is stationary, dtdϕ=0, so no induced current — the galvanometer shows zero deflection.
How to Avoid:
- Remember: Only changing flux induces current.
- The magnet must be moving (in or out) or the coil must be moving relative to the magnet.
- Tip: Think of the phrase "change is the key" — no change, no deflection.
Mistake 3: Using a Galvanometer When Asked "In the Absence of a Galvanometer"
The Error: Part (b) asks how to demonstrate induced current without a galvanometer. Students still describe using a galvanometer or a voltmeter.
Why it’s wrong: The question explicitly removes the galvanometer. You need an alternative indicator.
How to Avoid:
- Know the alternative methods from NCERT:
- LED or small bulb: Connect a small LED or bulb to the coil. Induced current will make it glow (or flicker) when the magnet moves.
- Compass needle: Place a compass near a wire connected to the coil. Induced current deflects the compass needle (magnetic effect of current).
- Current-carrying coil and magnet: Use a small magnetic compass or a suspended magnet near the coil — the induced current will deflect it.
- Correct Answer: Connect a small LED or a compass in the circuit. When the magnet moves, the LED glows or the compass needle deflects.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Direction of Motion (Lenz’s Law)
The Error: Students think the deflection direction is random or only depends on magnet strength.
Why it’s wrong: The direction of deflection depends on whether the magnet is moving in or out (Lenz’s Law). This is often tested in follow-up questions.
How to Avoid:
- Remember: Lenz’s Law says induced current opposes the change.
- Magnet moving in: deflection one way.
- Magnet moving out: deflection opposite way.
- For large deflection, reverse the motion quickly to get a large opposite deflection.
Mistake 5: Writing Vague or Incomplete Answers
The Error: Students write "move the magnet fast" without specifying how or why.
Why it’s wrong: Exam answers need reasoning — not just a list.
How to Avoid:
- Structure your answer:
- Concept: Induced EMF depends on rate of change of flux.
- Action: Move magnet quickly in/out.
- Result: Large deflection.
- For part (b), mention why the alternative works (e.g., "LED glows because induced current flows through it").
Quick Summary Table for Revision
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Ignoring speed of motion | Always link deflection to dtdϕ — faster motion = larger deflection |
| Stationary magnet | No change in flux = no induced current |
| Using galvanometer when asked not to | Use LED, bulb, or compass needle |
| Ignoring direction | Apply Lenz’s Law — direction depends on motion (in/out) |
| Vague answers | Give reason + action + result |
Final Tip: In exams, write "rate of change of magnetic flux" explicitly — it shows you understand the core concept.
Showing the 12 most recent of 46 on this concept.
- CBSE 2026Set 55/2/11 markMCQQ.A magnet held vertically, with its north pole down, is dropped along the axis of a closed solenoid placed vertically on a table. If the observer looks down from the top, (A) the induced current will flow in the anticlockwise direction. (B) the induced current will flow in the clockwise direction. (C) no induced current will flow in the solenoid. (D) the magnet will fall with a constant velocity.
›Reveal solutionSolution
As the magnet falls with its north pole down, the downward magnetic flux through the solenoid increases. By Lenz's law the induced current opposes this change — it must produce an upward field inside the solenoid, making the top face a north pole that repels the approaching magnet. That requires an anticlockwise current as seen from above. The correct option is (A).
Why this approach works
Electromagnetic induction is about change: a current is induced in the solenoid only because the flux through it is changing as the magnet falls. The direction of that current is fixed by Lenz's law — the induced current always flows so that its own magnetic field opposes the change in flux that produced it. This is not an arbitrary rule; it is energy conservation. If the induced current aided the magnet's fall, the magnet would speed up and generate ever more electrical energy from nothing.
So the plan is: track what the flux is doing, decide what field the solenoid must create to oppose it, then convert that field direction into a current sense using the right-hand rule.
Step-by-step reasoning
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Set up the situation.
The solenoid stands vertically on the table. The magnet is dropped along its axis from above, north pole downward. The observer looks down from the top.
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What is the flux doing?
Field lines emerge from the magnet's north pole — here, pointing downward toward the solenoid. As the magnet approaches, the downward flux through the solenoid's turns increases.
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What must the induced current do?
By Lenz's law it must oppose the increase of downward flux — so it must produce an upward magnetic field inside the solenoid. Equivalently: the top face of the solenoid must behave as a north pole, repelling the incoming north pole of the magnet.
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Convert the field direction into a current sense.
Use the right-hand rule for a coil: curl the fingers of the right hand along the current, and the thumb gives the field inside. For the thumb to point up (toward the observer looking down), the fingers must curl anticlockwise as seen from above. So the induced current is anticlockwise for the top observer.
TipQuick pole check: the solenoid must repel the approaching north pole, so its top face is a north pole. Looking at a face that is a north pole, the current always appears anticlockwise (a south-pole face appears clockwise — remember by writing N and S with arrowheads on the letter ends). Same conclusion.
- Eliminate the other options.
- (B) Clockwise (from above) would make the top face a south pole, producing a downward field that aids the growing downward flux and attracts the magnet — the opposite of Lenz's law, and a violation of energy conservation.
- (C) No induced current is impossible: the flux through the solenoid changes continuously while the magnet moves, so an emf — and, in a closed solenoid, a current — must exist.
- (D) Constant velocity is wrong: the induced current exerts a retarding (upward) force on the magnet, so the magnet falls with a reduced acceleration, not at constant velocity.
Watch outA common mistake is to mix up the viewing direction. "Clockwise seen from above" corresponds to a downward field inside the coil; "anticlockwise seen from above" corresponds to an upward field. Fix the observer first, then apply the right-hand rule — many wrong answers come from silently switching viewpoints midway.
✓Final answerThe induced current flows in the anticlockwise direction when viewed from above, so the correct option is (A).
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- CBSE 2026Set 55/3/11 markMCQQ.A square loop of side 50 cm is placed in a uniform magnetic field of 3.0 T acting perpendicular to the plane of the loop. If the loop is rotated through an angle of 90∘ in 0.3 s, the value of emf induced in the loop would be : (A) 0.25 V (B) 0.50 V (C) 0.75 V (D) 1.0 V
›Reveal solutionSolution
The induced emf is found from Faraday’s law: the change in magnetic flux divided by the time taken. The flux changes from maximum to zero as the loop rotates by 90∘, giving an average emf of 2.5 V — but the options are in the range 0.25–1.0 V, so we must check the calculation carefully. The correct value is 2.5 V, which does not match any given option; however, if the side length is 50 cm = 0.5 m, area =0.25 m², flux change =3.0×0.25=0.75 Wb, time =0.3 s, emf =0.75/0.3=2.5 V. None of the options are correct as stated.
The core idea here is Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction: whenever the magnetic flux through a loop changes, an emf is induced. The flux depends on three things — the field strength B, the area A of the loop, and the angle θ between the field and the normal to the loop. When you rotate the loop, you change θ, and that changes the flux. The induced emf is the rate of change of flux.
In this problem, the field is uniform and perpendicular to the loop initially. That means the initial angle between the field and the normal is 0∘, so the flux is maximum. After a 90∘ rotation, the plane of the loop is parallel to the field, so the flux becomes zero. The change in flux is simply the initial flux minus zero.
Let’s work it out step by step.
-
Find the area of the loop.
Side length =50 cm =0.5 m.
Area A=(0.5)2=0.25 m².
-
Initial magnetic flux.
Flux Φ=BAcosθ.
Initially θ=0∘, so cos0=1.
Φi=3.0×0.25×1=0.75 Wb.
-
Final magnetic flux.
After 90∘ rotation, θ=90∘, cos90=0.
Φf=3.0×0.25×0=0 Wb.
-
Change in flux.
ΔΦ=Φf−Φi=0−0.75=−0.75 Wb.
The magnitude of the change is 0.75 Wb.
-
Average induced emf.
By Faraday’s law, ∣E∣=ΔtΔΦ.
Δt=0.3 s.
∣E∣=0.30.75=2.5 V.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that the side is given in cm and not convert to metres. If you use 50 cm as 50 m, you get an absurdly large area and emf. Another pitfall: using the angle between the field and the plane of the loop instead of the normal. Here, the field is perpendicular to the plane initially, so the normal is parallel to the field — that’s θ=0∘, not 90∘.
TipFor a 90∘ rotation from alignment to perpendicular, the flux goes from BA to 0, so the change is always BA regardless of the shape of the loop. The induced emf depends only on B, A, and the time taken.
Now, the options given are 0.25 V, 0.50 V, 0.75 V, and 1.0 V. Our calculated value is 2.5 V, which is not among them. Let’s double-check: if the side were 50 cm = 0.5 m, area =0.25 m², B=3 T, flux change =0.75 Wb, time =0.3 s, emf =2.5 V. That is correct.
If the side were 25 cm, area would be 0.0625 m², flux change =0.1875 Wb, emf =0.625 V — still not matching. If the time were 1 s, emf =0.75 V, which matches option (C), but the problem clearly states 0.3 s.
ImportantThe numbers in the problem lead to 2.5 V, which is not among the choices. This suggests either a misprint in the options or an intended different interpretation (e.g., instantaneous emf at some angle). But for the average emf over 90∘ rotation, the answer is 2.5 V.
✓Final answerThe induced emf is 2.5 V, which does not match any of the given options (A)–(D).
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- CBSE 2026Set V11 markMCQQ.The working principle of an A.C. generator is :(a) mutual induction(b) eddy currents(c) self induction(d) electromagnetic induction
›Reveal solutionSolution
(d) electromagnetic induction
✓Final answer(d) electromagnetic induction
An A.C. generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction: a coil rotating in a magnetic field experiences a continuously changing magnetic flux, which induces an alternating e.m.f. ε=−NdtdΦ=NBAωsinωt (Faraday's law).
- CBSE 2026Set A1 markMCQQ.An example of natural electromagnetic induction is (A) radio (B) television (C) battery charging (D) lightning strike
›Reveal solutionSolution
Lightning involves huge, rapidly changing currents/fields that induce emf in nearby conductors — natural electromagnetic induction.
Electromagnetic induction is the production of emf by a changing magnetic flux (Faraday's law). A lightning strike carries an enormous, rapidly varying current, producing a fast-changing magnetic field that induces emf/current in nearby loops and conductors — a naturally occurring example of electromagnetic induction.
Radio, television and battery charging are man-made devices, not natural phenomena.
✓Final answer(D) lightning strike.
- CBSE 2026Set A1 markMCQQ.If magnetic field is same but the area of the loop is increased, then the flux (A) increases (B) decreases (C) becomes zero (D) remains unchanged
›Reveal solutionSolution
Magnetic flux Φ = BA cosθ; with B constant, a larger area gives greater flux.
The magnetic flux through a loop is:
Φ=BAcosθ
Here the magnetic field B (and orientation) is unchanged while the area A of the loop is increased. Since Φ is directly proportional to A, the flux increases.
✓Final answer(A) increases.
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.What is electromagnetic induction?
›Reveal solutionSolution
Any change of magnetic flux through a circuit produces an EMF in that circuit - this is electromagnetic induction.
Electromagnetic induction is the phenomenon in which an electromotive force (emf) is induced in a coil or conductor whenever the magnetic flux linked with it changes with time - whether the change is caused by a changing magnetic field, relative motion between the conductor and the field source, or a changing orientation/area of the loop. If the circuit is closed, this induced emf drives an induced current. It is quantitatively described by Faraday's law, EMF = -d(phi)/dt, with the negative sign (Lenz's law) showing that the induced effects oppose the change producing them.
✓Final answerThe generation of an induced EMF/current in a conductor due to a change of magnetic flux linked with it (Faraday's law, EMF = -d(phi)/dt).
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.When will the magnetic flux linked with a coil held in the magnetic field be zero?
›Reveal solutionSolution
Flux is zero whenever the field lines lie entirely in the plane of the coil.
Magnetic flux linked with a coil is Φ=BAcosθ, where θ is the angle between the coil's area vector (normal) and the magnetic field B. This is zero when cosθ=0, i.e. θ=90° — meaning the normal to the coil is perpendicular to B, which is the same as saying the field lines lie entirely within (parallel to) the plane of the coil, passing along it rather than through it.
✓Final answerThe flux is zero when the plane of the coil is oriented parallel to B (i.e. the coil's normal is perpendicular to the field, θ=90°).
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Match the Column A with Column B and write the correct pair. Column A: Magnetic flux. Column B:(i) μ₀nI,(ii) Volt × second,(iii) μ₀nI/2,(iv) Volt × meter,(v) Volt × meter⁻¹,(vi) Volt.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Magnetic flux unit = weber = Volt × second (from Faraday's law emf = dΦ/dt), option (ii).
Faraday's law states that the induced emf equals the rate of change of magnetic flux: emf = −dΦ/dt. Rearranging, Φ = emf × time (dimensionally). Since emf is in volts and time in seconds, magnetic flux has the unit volt × second, which is the weber (Wb). This matches Column B entry (ii).
✓Final answer(ii) Volt × second.
- CBSE 2025Set X11 markMCQQ.Consider the following statements : Statement – 1: A.C. Generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction Statement – 2: In an A.C. Generator, as the armature is rotated in a uniform magnetic field, the magnetic flux linked with the coil changes which induces an emf in the coil. Among the above two statements :(a) Both Statements are true(b) Both Statements are false(c) Statement-1 is true and Statement-2 is false(d) Statement-1 is false and Statement-2 is true
›Reveal solutionSolution
(a) Both Statements are true. An A.C. generator works on electromagnetic induction (Statement 1). As the armature coil rotates in a uniform magnetic field, the flux ϕ=NBAcosωt linked
✓Final answer(a) Both Statements are true.
An A.C. generator works on electromagnetic induction (Statement 1). As the armature coil rotates in a uniform magnetic field, the flux ϕ=NBAcosωt linked with it changes continuously, inducing an emf ε=NBAωsinωt (Statement 2). Statement 2 correctly explains Statement 1.
- CBSE 2025Set D1 markMCQQ.Which of the following devices is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction? (A) Voltmeter (B) Electric motor (C) Electric generator (D) Ammeter
›Reveal solutionSolution
The electric generator is based on electromagnetic induction.
An electric generator rotates a coil in a magnetic field. The continuous change of magnetic flux linked with the coil induces an emf by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
-
An electric motor is the reverse device (electrical → mechanical, using the force on a current in a field).
-
Voltmeters and ammeters (galvanometer-based) work on the torque on a current loop, not on induction.
✓Final answer(C) Electric generator.
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- CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.The laws of electromagnetic induction have been used in the construction of :(a) voltmeter(b) ammeter(c) electric motor(d) generator
›Reveal solutionSolution
An electric generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by rotating a coil in a magnetic field, directly applying Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.
Faraday's and Lenz's laws of electromagnetic induction state that a changing magnetic flux through a coil induces an emf in it. A generator (dynamo) is built on exactly this principle: mechanical energy rotates a coil within a magnetic field (or a magnet within a coil), continuously changing the flux linked with the coil and inducing an alternating emf. A voltmeter and ammeter are measuring instruments based on the magnetic effect of current, and an electric motor works on the reverse effect (force on a current-carrying conductor in a field) — only the generator is built directly on electromagnetic induction.
✓Final answerThe laws of electromagnetic induction are used in the construction of a generator — option (d).
- CBSE 2024Set 55/2/11 markMCQQ.A circular coil of radius 10 cm is placed in a magnetic field B=(1⋅0i^+0⋅5j^) mT such that the outward unit vector normal to the surface of the coil is (0⋅6i^+0⋅8j^). The magnetic flux linked with the coil is : (A) 0⋅314 μWb (B) 3⋅14 μWb (C) 31⋅4 μWb (D) 1⋅256 μWb
›Reveal solutionSolution
Magnetic flux is the dot product of the field and the area vector; here Φ=B⋅A=B⋅(An^), which gives 31.4μWb.
Why the dot product?
Magnetic flux measures how much of the magnetic field "threads through" a surface. Not all field lines contribute equally: only the component of B perpendicular to the surface matters. When the field is at an angle, we project it onto the surface normal using the dot product.
The flux through a flat surface is
Φ=B⋅A
where A=An^ is the area vector—magnitude A (the area) pointing along the outward normal n^.
Step-by-step calculation
- Find the area of the coil. The coil is circular with radius r=10cm=0.1m.
A=πr2=π(0.1)2=0.01πm2
- Write the area vector. The outward normal is n^=0.6i^+0.8j^ (already a unit vector since 0.62+0.82=1), so
A=An^=0.01π(0.6i^+0.8j^)m2
-
Express the magnetic field in SI units.
Given B=(1.0i^+0.5j^)mT=(1.0i^+0.5j^)×10−3T.
-
Compute the dot product B⋅A.
Φ=B⋅A=(1.0i^+0.5j^)×10−3⋅0.01π(0.6i^+0.8j^)
The dot product of the unit vectors:
(1.0i^+0.5j^)⋅(0.6i^+0.8j^)=1.0×0.6+0.5×0.8=0.6+0.4=1.0
So
Φ=10−3×0.01π×1.0=10−5πWb
- Evaluate numerically.
Φ=π×10−5Wb≈3.14159×10−5Wb=31.4×10−6Wb=31.4μWb
TipAlways check that the normal vector is a unit vector (magnitude 1) before using it. Here 0.62+0.82=1, so no normalization is needed.
Watch outA common mistake is forgetting to convert mT to T, or cm to m. Dimensional consistency is essential: area in m2, field in T, flux in Wb.
✓Final answerThe magnetic flux linked with the coil is 31.4μWb, so the correct option is (C).
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