EMF induced via change in Area

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of electromotive force (emf) induced by changing the area of a surface within a uniform magnetic field, as explained by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. A participant confirmed that varying the area of a loop of wire in a magnetic field does indeed produce an emf, demonstrated through a classroom experiment involving a galvanometer and an electromagnet. The underlying principle is that the Lorentz force acts on charge carriers within the loop, resulting in induced current. This clarification highlights the relationship between area change and magnetic flux, reinforcing the foundational concepts of electromagnetism.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction
  • Familiarity with Lorentz force law
  • Basic knowledge of electric circuits and galvanometers
  • Concept of magnetic flux
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore practical applications of Faraday's law in electromagnetic devices
  • Investigate the principles behind the classical Faraday dynamo
  • Learn about the effects of changing magnetic fields on electric circuits
  • Study advanced topics in electromagnetism, such as Maxwell's equations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the practical applications of electromagnetic induction principles.

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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