[HELP] Confused about EMF induced in rotating coil

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the confusion regarding electromagnetic induction in a rotating coil. It clarifies that while the flux linkage (NBA) is zero when the coil is parallel to the magnetic field, the induced electromotive force (E) can still be non-zero due to the coil's rotation, which allows it to cut through the magnetic field lines. The key point is that even at the moment when flux is zero, the rate of change of flux (dΦ/dt) can be at its maximum, resulting in a significant induced emf. Participants emphasize that the relationship between flux and induced emf is governed by Faraday's Law, which focuses on the rate of change rather than the absolute value of flux. The discussion concludes that understanding the dynamics of rotation is crucial for grasping these concepts.
qazxsw11111
Messages
95
Reaction score
0
Ok, now I got another question while doing electromagnetic induction questions.

I know flux linkage=NBA and in a rotating coil, Flux linkage=NBA cos wt, which differentiated (Faraday's Law) wrt time gives E=NBAw sin wt, where w = angular frequency.

However, when the plane of the coil is parallel to the magnetic field (assuming uniform magnetic field), NBA=0 since A=0. But according to E=BLV, where B, L and V are mutually perpendicular to each other, giving rise to a emf. But according to the differentiated eqn, NBA=0, so how can E be some value?

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5977/magneticij.png

Vice versa when the plane is perpendicular to the field. NBA=maximum, but according to E=BLV, V and B are not perpendicular, giving rise to a zero emf.

Im very confused about this, anyone can help?

Thanks.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
well if it is rotating, at the point θ=0, then no emf is induced, but since it is rotating the momentum will cause it to move past θ=0 and thus cause an emf to still be induced.

When parallel to the magnetic field, no flux is cut, so no emf is induced.
 
rock.freak667 said:
well if it is rotating, at the point θ=0, then no emf is induced, but since it is rotating the momentum will cause it to move past θ=0 and thus cause an emf to still be induced.

When parallel to the magnetic field, no flux is cut, so no emf is induced.

I knew that, but according to the graph in my lecture notes, flux is a cos function (eqn above). If you differentiate it, you will result in a sine curve, which at T/4 (initially coil plane is perpendicular to field), flux=0 but E=NBAw. My confusion is that I thought E at T/4 (Coil plane // to field) is 0.

Hope you understand what my confusion is all about. Anyone can help clarify this further?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
qazxsw11111 said:
I knew that, but according to the graph in my lecture notes, flux is a cos function (eqn above). If you differentiate it, you will result in a sine curve, which at T/4 (initially coil plane is perpendicular to field), flux=0 but E=NBAw. My confusion is that I thought E at T/4 (Coil plane // to field) is 0.

Hope you understand what my confusion is all about. Anyone can help clarify this further?

Thanks.
Φ=NBAcos(ωt)

E=dΦ/dt=-ωNBAsin(ωt) (-ve for opposite direction i.e. Lenz's law)

if E=0, then θ=π which corresponds to T/2, for t=T/4 i.e. θ=π/2, then the rate of flux cutting is maximum and E is maximum so E=ωNBA.

If you are still confused post your graphs and I'll see if I can explain it better for you.
 
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6200/graphv.jpg

Let T=period of rotation. Why NBA=0 but NBAw=max?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
In your first graph, if you try to draw a tangent at the point where it crosses the axis, then the tangent is more or less vertical. So while the flux,Φ, is a minimum, it is the change in flux,dΦ/dt, that is maximum. Does it make a little more sense now?

Faraday's Law: The rate of change of magnetic flux is directly proportional to the emf induced. E=dΦ/dt .
 
Yup it makes sense. But equation-wise, subbing into the eqn you gave me E=-ωNBAsin(ωt), BA=0 isn't it?
 
qazxsw11111 said:
Yup it makes sense. But equation-wise, subbing into the eqn you gave me E=-ωNBAsin(ωt), BA=0 isn't it?

If you are thinking like that, then when Φ=0Wb , then the magnetic field cuts off and there is no emf induced!

In Φ=NBAcos(ωt), B and A are constant really.
 
Ok, so NBA basically means the total maximum flux linkage to the coil (Constant), while the only thing that varies is the cos (wt)?
 
  • #10
qazxsw11111 said:
Ok, so NBA basically means the total maximum flux linkage to the coil (Constant), while the only thing that varies is the cos (wt)?

more or less because it is rotating so the only thing changing is the angle or wt as the case may be.
 
Back
Top