Why Does a Second Solenoid Feel a Strong Induction in Electromagnetic Induction?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction experienced by a second solenoid wrapped around a primary solenoid. When the current in the primary solenoid varies, it generates a changing magnetic field, leading to a significant induced electromotive force (EMF) in the secondary solenoid, despite the external magnetic field being negligible. This is explained through Faraday's law of induction, which states that the induced EMF in a circuit is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux through the circuit. The strong induction in the second solenoid arises from the rapid change in magnetic flux due to the varying current in the inner solenoid.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations, particularly the relationship between electric and magnetic fields.
  • Familiarity with Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.
  • Knowledge of solenoid construction and magnetic field behavior.
  • Basic concepts of electromotive force (EMF) and magnetic flux.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the applications of Faraday's law in practical electromagnetic devices.
  • Explore the concept of self-induction and mutual induction in electrical circuits.
  • Investigate the effects of varying current on magnetic fields in solenoids.
  • Learn about the role of inductance in AC circuits and its calculations.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of electromagnetic induction and its applications in technology.

Omega0
Messages
215
Reaction score
52
Hi,
I have a trivial question about electrodynamics.

If you have a very long coil, a long solenoid. Keep the current constant and you will have no \vec{B} outside (magnetostatics).
Let's write down the Maxwell equations:

\begin{matrix}
\nabla\cdot\vec{B} &= &0 \\
\nabla\times\vec{E} &= &-\frac{\partial\vec{B}}{\partial t} \\
\nabla\times\vec{B} &= &\frac{\vec{j}}{\epsilon_0 c^2}
\end{matrix}

For the stationary case the second equation equals to zero.
If we slowly vary \vec{j}(t) over time we have still a very weak field \vec{B} outside the solenoid, say it is more or less 0.
The inner of the solenoid has a changing field \vec{B}. This means that the second equation is not zero. Which means we get an \vec{E} which works against the change - self induction, so we get a reactance from the basic solenoid.

If now another solenoid is wrapped around the basic solenoid, why does it feel a pretty strong induction?
Is it because \vec{B}(t) is weak but \frac{\partial\vec{B}}{\partial t} is strong?
Why if the magnetic field outside is more or less zero the change of the flux \vec{B}\cdot\vec{A} is detected strongly?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Using Faraday's law in integral form, each loop(turn) of the outer solenoid has EMF ## \mathscr{E}=-d \Phi/dt ## where ## \Phi ## is the complete magnetic flux over the area of each outer loop including that from the inside of the inner solenoid. The ## B ## inside of the inner solenoid also gets included in this flux. The EMF's from each of the loops of the solenoid will add in series to give the complete induced voltage of the solenoid.
 
Last edited:
Thread 'Colors in a plasma globe'
I have a common plasma globe with blue streamers and orange pads at both ends. The orange light is emitted by neon and the blue light is presumably emitted by argon and xenon. Why are the streamers blue while the pads at both ends are orange? A plasma globe's electric field is strong near the central electrode, decreasing with distance, so I would not expect the orange color at both ends.

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
8K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K