Primary coil is used to overcome the back e.m.f

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In summary, a varying potential difference (p.d.) is required in the primary coil of a transformer to generate a changing flux in the iron core. This changing flux creates a back electromotive force (e.m.f.) in the primary coil, which opposes the applied p.d. According to Lenz's law, this back e.m.f. is approximately equal to the applied p.d. However, due to the imperfections of transformers, the back e.m.f. may not be exactly equal to the applied p.d. and some current may still flow. The misconception that no current will flow in a transformer is not accurate.
  • #1
darkar
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I was told that P.d. supplied to the primary coil is used to overcome the back e.m.f. so that the the flux will keep changing, why is it so?
What happened if the P.d. supplied is different to the back e.m.f.?

Thx!
 
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  • #2
Help is greatly appreciated, any opinoin is fine.
Thx.

Nb. : P.d. is potential difference, e.m.f. is electromotive force.
 
  • #3
You must provide an A.C. supply to a transformer to get a changing flux. Otherwise you only get an output when you turn it on or off!
 
  • #4
Yes, the source is from A.C. supply, and the question is why must the value be equal to the back e.m.f.?

Adrian Baker said:
You must provide an A.C. supply to a transformer to get a changing flux. Otherwise you only get an output when you turn it on or off!
and what does this sentence means? Can u explain it more clearly?

Thx
 
  • #5
The p.d. of the supply doesn't 'have to be' equal to the back emf - the supply pd creates the back emf. If they were equal at all times, no current would flow!

The sentence above means that unless the supply p.d. is varying, then you won't get a fluctuating flux in the core. You can not generate a pd in the secondary coil without a fluctuating flux.

If you turn on or off a DC supply, the sudden change in current generates a flux in the core. When the DC supply remains connected, current flow is constant, so you get no flux change and no output pd in the secondary coil.
 
  • #6
Here is the paragraph given by my lecturer,
" P.d. supplied to the primary coil is used to overcome the back e.m.f. (equivalent to action and reaction). Hence, the p.d. sipplied to the primary, V = back e.m.f. "

Here is another paragraph adapted from college physics,
"If the resistance of the primary coil is neglected, this e.m.f. must be equal in magnitude to the external voltage applied to it."

and from understanding physics,
"the changing flux through the primary coil induces a back e.m.f. in the coil, the back e.m.f. opposses the applied p.d. So the applied p.d. must equal the back e.m.f. to keep the flux changing."

So, it seems like the 2nd one is more accurate whereby the 1st and third one will give u misconception, since it would imply no current will actually flow. And the 2nd one will only have current passsing through when there is resistance.
And, the p.d. supplied is not exactly the same as the back e.m.f., it is only approximately.

Am i right?
 
  • #7
Hmm... It seems that some things are unclear here. As you apply a varying pd to the PRIMARY coil, this generates a changing flux in the Iron core. This changing flux generates a back EMF in the PRIMARY Coil. This emf does oppose the inducing pd as described by Lenz's law. In a perfect world, this back emf would be equal to the applied pd, but as there is no such thing as a perfect (ie 100% efficient) transformer, it is not quite the case.

I don't quite see where the statement "So the applied p.d. must equal the back e.m.f. to keep the flux changing" comes from. If you have a varying supply pd you MUST have a varying flux! Maybe I have missed something here though??
 

1. What is a primary coil?

A primary coil is a coil of wire that is used in electrical circuits to induce a changing magnetic field. It is usually connected to a power source and is the source of the magnetic field.

2. What is "back e.m.f"?

"Back e.m.f" stands for "back electromotive force" and refers to the voltage that is generated in a coil when there is a change in the magnetic field. It opposes the current flow and can cause problems in electrical circuits.

3. Why is a primary coil used to overcome back e.m.f?

A primary coil is used to overcome back e.m.f because it acts as a buffer between the power source and the rest of the circuit. It helps to reduce the effect of back e.m.f and allows the current to flow smoothly.

4. How does a primary coil overcome back e.m.f?

A primary coil overcomes back e.m.f by creating a magnetic field that is opposite to the changing magnetic field in the circuit. This helps to cancel out the back e.m.f and allows the current to flow without interruption.

5. In what types of circuits is a primary coil commonly used?

A primary coil is commonly used in circuits where there is a changing magnetic field, such as in transformers, motors, and generators. It is also used in electronic circuits to regulate the flow of current and protect the components from damage caused by back e.m.f.

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