Transformer Frequency: No Relative Motion Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between frequency and relative motion in transformers, specifically addressing why the frequency of induced electromotive force (emf) in the secondary coil matches the frequency of the applied voltage in the primary coil. Participants explore concepts from electromagnetic induction and the implications of relative motion between coils.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the frequency of induced emf in the secondary coil remains the same as the frequency of the applied voltage in the primary coil due to the absence of relative motion between the coils.
  • One participant introduces an analogy involving a rotating bar magnet in a fixed magnetic field, suggesting that relative motion can affect the perceived frequency of the magnetic field.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the transformer operates as a "static" converter of electromagnetic energy, implying that the lack of movement is crucial to understanding frequency consistency.
  • Several participants express confusion regarding the relationship between frequency and coil movement, seeking clarification on how relative motion might influence frequency.
  • One participant explains that if coils were to rotate relative to each other, the total voltage would consist of contributions from both the emf of rotation and the emf of transformation, each with its own frequency.
  • Another participant provides examples involving solenoidal coils to illustrate how varying magnetic fields can induce voltages based on the motion and frequency of the currents involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the frequency of induced emf in transformers is linked to the absence of relative motion between coils, but there is significant disagreement and confusion regarding the implications of this relationship and how relative motion could alter frequency in other contexts.

Contextual Notes

Some participants acknowledge their understanding of Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction but struggle to connect it to the specific case of transformers and the role of relative motion.

ranju
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We know that frequency of induced emf in secondary coil remains same as frequency of applied voltage in primary coil and I have read that its reason is " there is no relative motion between the coils..".
Actually I am not getting the reason , maybe some fact or concept has slipped from my mind but I can't recollect how frequency is dependent on relative motion between the coils..
Please clear it out..
 
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Consider a bar magnet rotating in a fixed DC magnetic field. From the magnet's point of view, the field appears to be an AC field with a frequency the same as the rotational frequency of the magnet. In an analogous way, visualize a transformer with the secondary coil rotating. To the secondary, the frequency of the apparent magnetic field has a frequency equal to the difference between the AC frequency and the frequency of rotation of the coil.

Of course we don't rotate the secondary coil of things we call transformers. When we do rotate one of the coils, we call the devices generators or motors. That is far from the full story of how generators or motors work, but it is an important clue.
 
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ranju said:
We know that frequency of induced emf in secondary coil remains same as frequency of applied voltage in primary coil and I have read that its reason is " there is no relative motion between the coils..".
Actually I am not getting the reason , maybe some fact or concept has slipped from my mind but I can't recollect how frequency is dependent on relative motion between the coils..
Please clear it out..
Frequency of induced emf in the secondary coil is the same as the frequency of the voltage applied to the primary coil is the same as frequency of magnetic flux coupling the windings. By Faraday law of electromagnetic induction : emf = N⋅dφ/dt. No relative motion between parts* of transformer, transformer is the "static" converter of electromagnetic energy.

* small vibrations of turns and other parts can be neglected
 
sorry But I did'nt get your point..!
 
ranju said:
sorry But I did'nt get your point..!
Then, I believe you don't understand Faraday's law of em induction.
 
zoki85 said:
No relative motion between parts* of transformer, transformer is the "static" converter of electromagnetic energy.
this is the point I am not getting...!
I know law of electromagnetic induction but I am not able to relate it here..
 
ranju said:
this is the point I am not getting...!
I know law of electromagnetic induction but I am not able to relate it here..
If you know that law and know the fact that parts of a classic transformer don't move (they are static), why did you mention movement between coils:
ranju said:
Actually I am not getting the reason , maybe some fact or concept has slipped from my mind but I can't recollect how frequency is dependent on relative motion between the coils..Please clear it out..
?
 
You did'not get what I was intended to ask.. actually I actually wanted to know the relation between the frequency and movement of coils.. how frequency is dependent on it.. Here , there is no relative motion between coils , hence frequency is constant as stated. But what is the reason ??
 
ranju said:
You did'not get what I was intended to ask.. actually I actually wanted to know the relation between the frequency and movement of coils.. how frequency is dependent on it.. Here , there is no relative motion between coils , hence frequency is constant as stated. But what is the reason ??

In post number 2, I showed you a kind of relative motion could change the apparent frequency. Did you understand that?
 
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ranju said:
You did'not get what I was intended to ask.. actually I actually wanted to know the relation between the frequency and movement of coils.. how frequency is dependent on it.. Here , there is no relative motion between coils , hence frequency is constant as stated. But what is the reason ??
If the coils rotate/move one to each other and at least one is passed by current i(t)≠0 you'll have so called:

1. emf of rotation (frequency of which, fr, coincides with frequency of mechanical rotation/motion)
2. emf of transformation (freq. of which, ft, coincides with frequency of the current)

Total voltage is the supereposition of two emfs.
 
  • #11
As a pair of examples, imagine this:
1. Two solenoidal coils are placed parallel, on directly above the other. Now, if you apply an AC current through the top solenoid, i=sin(wt), then it will produce a time varying magnetic field, phi = some_constant sin(wt).
Some of the top solenoid's field will cut into the second solenoid. Assuming the second solenoid isn't tied to a load, it will have a voltage induced based upon the change in magnetic field, dphi / dt, or V_coil2 = some_other_constant cos(wt).

Both coils are running at w (frequency)

2. Assume the top solenoid (from 1 ) had a steady DC current going though it. If the two solenoids are still, the amount of field induced in the second coil will be steady and dphi / dt = 0, no voltage is across the second coil.
However, if the top coil begins to rotate at some rate, wr, then there is a voltage induced in the second solenoid at V_coil2=a_constant cos(wrt) as the flux from the top solenoid begins to rotate.
 
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