Why can't induced EMF in a straight conductor produce a current?

[Asad Raza]

I just read in my textbook that it is impossible to harness electricity from the induced emf if the velocity of a conductor is parallel to its straight length. Let me elucidate further: a magnetic field goes into the page and a straight conductor is moved straight down or up (perpendicular to the field). In such a case, the emf will be there, but it can't constitute a current. Why is this so?

 

[Cutter Ketch]

The induced emf is the cross product of the velocity and the magnetic field. It is perpendicular to both. In your example you are creating an emf, but it is from one side of the wire to the other, not along the wire.

 

[Asad Raza]

Got it!
Thanks.

 

[sophiecentaur]

The induced emf in a conductor can cause currents to flow in circles and not necessarily round a circuit. This causes losses due to the resistance of the conductor.