Magnet & Currents: Can Moving a Magnet Induce a Current?

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SUMMARY

Moving a magnet within a coiled wire will induce a current, regardless of whether the magnet's north or south end is used, as the induced currents will be equal and opposite. This principle is foundational in electromagnetism and is exemplified in applications such as transformers and induction coils. The discussion confirms that oscillating a magnet attached to a pendulum can effectively induce current in a circuit, illuminating a light bulb connected to the coiled wire when the magnet passes through.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction
  • Basic knowledge of electrical circuits and components
  • Familiarity with the concepts of magnetic fields and their interaction with conductors
  • Experience with oscillating systems, such as pendulums
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction in detail
  • Explore the principles of transformers and their applications
  • Learn about the construction and function of induction coils
  • Investigate the design and analysis of simple electrical circuits involving coils and magnets
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in electromagnetism, hobbyists experimenting with electromagnetic induction, and engineers designing circuits involving magnetic fields will find this discussion beneficial.

Coach
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Hello everyone!

I have been searching all over the internet for an answer to this question:
will moving a magnet within a coiled wire induce a current even if the magnet "stays" within the coiled wire for a matter of seconds?
I am planning an improvement to an experiment where a magnet attached to a pendulum will oscillate inducing a current at either side of the maximum displacement, and hence I wonder, if it is possible.


Physics is not my strongest field so all answers and help is appreciated.

Thank you in advance.
 
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YES.
And it makes no difference whether you use the N or S end of the magnet..the induced currents will be equal but opposite direction. A similar induction can be accomplished via a pair of parallel coils where one carries a fixed current and the other doesn't..relative motion induces currents in the other. An analogous effect occurs in tranformers where instead of motion causing the changing magnetic field and ac current varies the field and again currents are induced.
 
Thank you so much for your reply!

I have just one more little(dum) question: so if I have a circuit with one end connected to one end of the coiled wire, a light bulb in the middle of the circuit and the terminal end of the circuit connected to the other end of the coiled wire, when the magnet runs through the wire, the light bulb will light up?

Thank you so much for the taking the time. :)
 

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