Page 12 - GALIET PHYSICS BLOSSOMS III

(ii) Explain what is electromagnetic induction using an example of your choice. You need to explain first the example in some detail, and then explain what is happening and why. Now summarize all of what you have found, both for static and inductive phenomena by explaining what are the basic mechanisms operating in electromagnetic phenomena - you should give your explanation in terms of charges and fields, connecting it to what is observed.
Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic induction occurs when an electric current is produced across a conductor that moves through a magnetic field.
Many generators, transformers, induction and electric motors and solenoids operate this way. An electric field occurs when we change a magnetic field just as a magnetic field occurs when we change an electric field.4
My example is a gas-powered generator. The engine powered by gasoline drives a coil of wires in a circular motion in a magnetic field by magnets of opposite poles (N-S) across from each other. As the coil passes through the magnetic field, the magnetic field causes the electrons in the coil to move. This motion creates electron flow in the wires, which is an example of electromagnetic induction.
Gasoline engine
4 Dr. Stamp’s slide 3.18, class notes, and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_induction. November 9, 2012.
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