EMF induced via change in Area

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electromagnetic induction, specifically whether a change in the area of a surface within a uniform magnetic field can induce an electromotive force (emf). Participants explore the implications of Faraday's law and the conditions under which emf is generated.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether varying the area of a surface in a uniform magnetic field would produce an emf, despite the absence of a time-varying magnetic field or electric field.
  • Another participant confirms that changing the area does induce an emf, citing a classroom demonstration involving a loop of wire and a galvanometer, where altering the shape of the loop resulted in a noticeable current.
  • A different participant references the Lorentz force law, suggesting that the relative motion of charge carriers within the changing area of the current loop contributes to the induced emf, relating this to the principles behind a classical Faraday dynamo.
  • One participant expresses a sense of confusion about the topic but appreciates the assistance provided by others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be a consensus among some participants that changing the area in a uniform magnetic field can induce an emf, although the initial question raised uncertainty about this principle. The discussion includes varying perspectives on the mechanisms involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference Faraday's law and the Lorentz force law, but the discussion does not resolve the underlying assumptions about the conditions necessary for emf induction in this context.

Just_some_guy
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I have been studying electromagnetism this year and we have spoken about Faradays law of electromagnetic induction and eventually how the emf induced is equal to the negative time rate of change of magnetic flux

I noticed however that all examples include a time varying magnetic field, which produces a current and hence electric field and hence an emf

I was wondering however, if we had a uniform magnetic field and varied the area dA of some surface would this produce an emf. As no current or electric field would be produced? But there would be a change in flux?This has perplexed me a little and I was hoping someone could shed some light on my trivial (or not) problem Cheers
 
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Never mind Mr. Walter Lewin has solved my issue
 
Just_some_guy said:
if we had a uniform magnetic field and varied the area dA of some surface would this produce an emf

Yes. I've done a classroom demonstration of this, by holding a loop of wire attached to a galvanometer, between the poles of a large electromagnet. By "squishing" the loop from a circle to a narrow ellipse, and then "unsquishing" it back to a circle, I got a noticeable current.
 
Just_some_guy said:
Never mind Mr. Walter Lewin has solved my issue
Professor Lewin is one of the best teachers!

Anyway, if you have learned about Lorentz force law, you should know that when the current loop changes area, the carriers inside experience relative motion and thus Lorentz force. This force would drive them as the emf. In fact, the classical Faraday dynamo is based on this principle.
 
I was over complicating things little bit I think, and in the process confused myself :)Thank you for your help though :)
 

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