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Induced Electric Field

Induced Electric Field

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:40 PM IST

The concept of the induced electric field is fundamental in understanding electromagnetic phenomena. It arises when a changing magnetic field generates an electric field, a principle elegantly captured by Faraday's Law of Induction. This phenomenon is pivotal in the workings of many everyday technologies. For instance, in power generators, the rotation of a coil within a magnetic field induces an electric field, which in turn generates electric current, powering homes and industries. Similarly, electric induction is at play in transformers that modify voltage levels for efficient power transmission. In this article, we will discuss the induced electric field. It is not just a theoretical concept; it is a driving force behind the technological advancements that shape our daily lives, from the electric motors in household appliances to the wireless charging of devices.

This Story also Contains
  1. Induced Electric Field
  2. Solved Examples Based on Induced Electric Field
  3. Summary

Induced Electric Field

The concept of the induced electric field is a cornerstone of electromagnetism, describing how a changing magnetic field generates an electric field. This relationship is encapsulated in Faraday's Law of Induction, which states that a time-varying magnetic field creates a circulating electric field.

Whenever a magnetic field varies with time, an induced electric field $E_{i n}$ is produced in any closed path, whether in the matter
or in empty space. This Induced electric field is directly proportional to induced emf as $\varepsilon=\oint \overrightarrow{E_{i n}} \cdot \overrightarrow{d l}$.

This is given as

$\varepsilon=\oint \overrightarrow{E_{i n}} \cdot \overrightarrow{d l}=\frac{-d \phi}{d t}$

This is known as an integral form of Faraday’s laws of EMI.

Properties of Induced Electric Field

  • The induced electric field is different from the electrostatic field. As it is non-conservative and non-electrostatic in nature.
  • Its field lines are concentric circular closed curves.
  • This field is not created by source charges.
  • Its direction is along the tangent to its field lines.

We can understand better through video.

Solved Examples Based on Induced Electric Field

Example 1: A coil having n turns and resistance R is connected with a galvanometer of resistance 4R. This combination is moved in time t seconds from a magnetic field W1 Weber to W2 Weber. The induced current in the circuit is

1) $-\frac{W_2-W_1}{5 R n t}$
2) $-\frac{n\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{5 R t}$
3) $-\frac{\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{R n t}$
4) $-\frac{n\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{R t}$

Solution:

Induced current $I=\frac{-n}{R^{\prime}} \frac{d \phi}{d t}=\frac{-n}{R^{\prime}} \frac{d W}{d t}$ where,

$\phi=W=$ flux $\times$ per unit turn of the coil

Change in flux $=W_2-W_1$

Total current per coil

$\begin{aligned} & \therefore I=\frac{\xi}{R_{e q}}=\frac{n}{R_{e q}} \frac{\Delta \phi}{\Delta t} \\ & I=\frac{n\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{(R+4 R) t}=\frac{n\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{5 R t}\end{aligned}$

The induced current is opposite to its cause of production

$I=\frac{-n\left(W_2-W_1\right)}{5 R t}$

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Example 2: A small circular loop of wire of radius a is located at the centre of a much larger circular wire loop of radius b. The two loops are in the same plane. The outer loop of radius b carries an alternating current I=Io cos (ωt). The emf induced in the smaller inner loop is nearly :

1) $\frac{\pi \mu_0 I_0}{2} * \frac{a^2}{b} \omega \sin \omega t$
2) $\frac{\pi \mu_0 I_0}{2} * \frac{a^2}{b} \omega \cos \omega t$
3) $\pi \mu_0 I_0 * \frac{a^2}{b} \omega \sin \omega t$
4) $\pi \mu_0 I_0 * \frac{b^2}{a} \omega \cos \omega t$

Solution:

The magnetic field produced by the outer loop $=\frac{\mu_o I}{2 R}=\frac{\mu_o I_o \cos \omega t}{2 b}$

$\begin{aligned} & \phi=B \cdot A=\left(\frac{\mu_o I_o \cos \omega t}{2 b}\right) \pi a^2 \\ & \xi=\left|\frac{-d \phi}{d t}\right|=\frac{\mu_o I_o \pi}{2 b} a^2 \cdot \omega \sin \omega t\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Example 3: A coil of cross-sectional area A having n turns is placed in a uniform magnetic field B. When it is rotated with an angular velocity ω, the maximum e.m.f. induced in the coil will be :

1) $3 n B A \omega$
2) $(3 / 2) \mathrm{nBA} \omega$
3) $n B A w$
4) $(1 / 2) n B A \omega$

Solution:

If Angle $\theta$ - change
$$
\begin{aligned}
& \varepsilon=-N A B d \frac{(\cos \Theta)}{d \Theta} \times \frac{d \Theta}{d t} \\
& \varepsilon=+N B A \omega \sin \Theta
\end{aligned}
$$

Emf induced is $\mathrm{e}=($ NBA $\omega)$ since
The maximum value of $e$ is NBA $\omega$

Hence, the answer is the option (3).

Example 4: A small conducting loop of radius a and resistance r is pulled with velocity V perpendicular to a long straight conductor carrying current i as shown in Fig the current I in terms of V is

1) $\frac{\mu_0 i a^2}{2 x^2} V$
2) $\frac{\mu_0 i a^2 V^2}{2 x^2 r}$
3) $\frac{\mu_0 i a^2}{2 x^2 r^2} V$
4) $\frac{\mu_0 i a^2 V}{2 x^2 r} V$

Solution:

Induced Current

$$
I=\frac{\varepsilon}{R}=\frac{-N}{R} \frac{d \phi}{d t}
$$
wherein
$R \rightarrow$ Resistance
$\frac{d \phi}{d t} \rightarrow_{\text {Rate of change of flux }}$
Magnetic field at the position of the loop
$$
B=\frac{\mu_0 i}{2 x r}
$$

Since the loop is small, the magnetic field can be assumed to be constant.

So, flux across the loop $\phi=\int \vec{B} \cdot d \vec{A}$
$$
\begin{aligned}
& =\vec{B} \int d \vec{A} \\
& =B A \\
& =\frac{\mu_0 i \pi a^2}{2 \pi x} \\
& \frac{\mu_0 i a^2}{2 x}
\end{aligned}
$$

Now induced emf,
$$
\begin{aligned}
& \varepsilon=\frac{-d \phi}{d t} \\
& =\frac{-\mu_0 i a^2}{2}\left(\frac{d(1 / x)}{d t}\right) \\
& =\frac{\mu_0 i a^2}{2 x^2}\left(\frac{d(x)}{d t}\right) \\
& =\frac{\mu_0 i a^2}{2 x^2} V
\end{aligned}
$$

Now induced emf,

$$
\begin{aligned}
& \varepsilon=\frac{-d \phi}{d t} \\
& =\frac{-\mu_0 i a^2}{2}\left(\frac{d(1 / x)}{d t}\right) \\
& =\frac{\mu_0 i a^2}{2 x^2}\left(\frac{d(x)}{d t}\right) \\
& =\frac{\mu_0 i a^2}{2 x^2} V
\end{aligned}
$$

Now induced current
$$
\begin{aligned}
& I=\frac{\varepsilon}{r} \\
& I=\frac{\mu_0 i a^2}{2 x^2 r} V
\end{aligned}
$$

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Example 5: For induced electric field, the electric field lines are

1) Its field lines are concentric circular closed curves.

2) Its field lines are parallel straight lines.

3) Its field lines are diverging parabola

4) Its field lines are converging hyperbola curves.

Solution:

Properties of Induced electric field

  • The induced electric field is different from the electrostatic field. As it is non-electrostatic.
  • Its field lines are concentric circular closed curves.
  • This field is not created by source charges.
  • Its direction is along the tangent to its field lines.

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Summary

The induced electric field, governed by Faraday's Law of Induction, emerges from time-varying magnetic fields, creating circulating electric fields. Unlike electrostatic fields, induced electric fields are non-conservative and characterized by concentric circular field lines. This phenomenon is integral to technologies such as power generators, transformers, and wireless charging devices, demonstrating its crucial role in modern electrical applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does the induced electric field vary with distance from a changing magnetic field source?
The strength of an induced electric field generally decreases with distance from the source of the changing magnetic field. The exact relationship depends on the geometry of the source and the surrounding space. For a long straight wire carrying a changing current, for instance, the induced electric field strength decreases inversely with distance from the wire. In more complex geometries, the relationship may be more complicated but generally follows a decreasing trend with distance.
2. How do induced electric fields affect the behavior of superconductors?
In superconductors, the interaction with induced electric fields is unique. When a changing magnetic field tries to induce an electric field in a superconductor, the material responds by generating supercurrents that exactly cancel the change in magnetic flux (Meissner effect). This results in zero net induced electric field inside the superconductor. Understanding this behavior is crucial for applications of superconductors in magnetic field sensing and magnetic shielding.
3. What is an induced electric field?
An induced electric field is an electric field created by a changing magnetic field. Unlike electrostatic fields produced by charges, induced electric fields are non-conservative and can exist in empty space. They play a crucial role in electromagnetic induction and the propagation of electromagnetic waves.
4. How does Faraday's law of induction relate to induced electric fields?
Faraday's law of induction states that a changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a conductor. This EMF is directly related to the induced electric field. The induced electric field is the mechanism by which the changing magnetic field creates the EMF, causing charges to move in a conductor or creating a potential difference in an open circuit.
5. Can an induced electric field exist in a vacuum?
Yes, an induced electric field can exist in a vacuum. Unlike static electric fields that require charges, induced electric fields are created by changing magnetic fields and can propagate through empty space. This property is fundamental to the nature of electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum.
6. What is the difference between an electrostatic field and an induced electric field?
The main differences are:
7. How do induced electric fields relate to Lenz's law?
Lenz's law states that the direction of an induced current is such that it opposes the change that caused it. Induced electric fields are the mechanism behind this opposition. The induced electric field creates a current in a conductor that generates a magnetic field opposing the original change in magnetic flux, aligning with Lenz's law.
8. Can induced electric fields do work?
Yes, induced electric fields can do work on charged particles. Unlike conservative electrostatic fields where the work done in a closed path is zero, induced electric fields are non-conservative. This means they can continuously transfer energy to charged particles, which is the basis for many electromagnetic devices and phenomena.
9. What is the relationship between the induced electric field and the rate of change of magnetic flux?
The induced electric field is directly proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux. Mathematically, this is expressed in the integral form of Faraday's law: ∮E⃗ ⋅ dl⃗ = -dΦB/dt, where E⃗ is the induced electric field, ΦB is the magnetic flux, and t is time. A faster change in magnetic flux results in a stronger induced electric field.
10. How does the geometry of a conductor affect the induced electric field?
The geometry of a conductor influences the path and strength of the induced electric field. In a circular loop, for example, the induced electric field follows the circular path of the conductor. The size and shape of the conductor determine the total magnetic flux it encloses, which in turn affects the magnitude of the induced field. Larger loops or coils with more turns will generally experience stronger induced fields for the same changing magnetic field.
11. What is the direction of an induced electric field in a straight wire?
In a straight wire experiencing a changing magnetic field, the induced electric field is parallel to the wire's length. The direction along the wire depends on the direction of the change in magnetic field and follows Lenz's law. If the magnetic field is increasing upwards, for example, the induced electric field in the wire will be in a direction that would create a current opposing this increase.
12. How do induced electric fields contribute to the generation of eddy currents?
Induced electric fields in bulk conducting materials create circulating currents known as eddy currents. When a changing magnetic field penetrates a conductor, it induces electric fields in circular paths. These fields drive electrons in closed loops, forming eddy currents. The strength and distribution of these currents depend on the conductor's geometry, the rate of change of the magnetic field, and the material's conductivity.
13. Can induced electric fields exist in insulators?
Yes, induced electric fields can exist in insulators. While insulators don't allow for the free flow of charge, they still experience the effects of changing magnetic fields. The induced electric field in an insulator can cause a slight displacement of bound charges, resulting in polarization. This is important in dielectrics and plays a role in the propagation of electromagnetic waves through insulating materials.
14. What is the role of induced electric fields in transformers?
In transformers, induced electric fields are crucial for energy transfer between the primary and secondary coils. The changing current in the primary coil creates a changing magnetic field, which induces an electric field in the secondary coil. This induced field creates a voltage across the secondary coil, allowing for the transfer of electrical energy at different voltage levels. The efficiency of this process depends on the design of the transformer and the materials used.
15. How do induced electric fields contribute to the skin effect in conductors?
The skin effect, where alternating current tends to flow near the surface of a conductor, is partly due to induced electric fields. As the current changes, it creates a changing magnetic field inside the conductor. This changing field induces electric fields that oppose the current flow in the center of the conductor more than at the surface. Consequently, the current density is higher near the conductor's surface, a phenomenon known as the skin effect.
16. Can induced electric fields be shielded?
Yes, induced electric fields can be shielded, but it's more challenging than shielding static electric fields. Effective shielding often involves using materials with high conductivity and permeability. These materials can redirect the magnetic flux, reducing the changing magnetic field in the shielded region and thus minimizing the induced electric field. Faraday cages, while primarily designed for electrostatic fields, can also provide some protection against induced fields, especially at high frequencies.
17. How do induced electric fields relate to electromagnetic waves?
Induced electric fields are a fundamental component of electromagnetic waves. In an electromagnetic wave, changing electric fields induce magnetic fields, and changing magnetic fields induce electric fields. This mutual induction allows the wave to propagate through space. The induced electric field in an electromagnetic wave is perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the direction of wave propagation, forming the electric component of the wave.
18. What is the significance of the curl of an induced electric field?
The curl of an induced electric field is non-zero, which is a key characteristic distinguishing it from electrostatic fields. Mathematically, ∇ × E⃗ = -∂B⃗/∂t, where E⃗ is the induced electric field and B⃗ is the magnetic field. This non-zero curl indicates that the induced electric field forms closed loops, aligning with the circular nature of magnetic field lines. It's this property that allows induced electric fields to continuously transfer energy in electromagnetic phenomena.
19. How does the induced electric field in a solenoid compare to that in a straight wire?
In a solenoid, the induced electric field forms circular paths around the axis of the solenoid, similar to the magnetic field lines inside it. The field strength varies along the length of the solenoid, being strongest near the center. In contrast, the induced electric field around a straight wire forms concentric circles around the wire, with the field strength decreasing with distance from the wire. The solenoid's geometry concentrates the field, potentially creating a stronger induced field than a single straight wire for the same current change.
20. What is the relationship between induced electric fields and motional EMF?
While both involve electromagnetic induction, induced electric fields and motional EMF arise from different scenarios. Induced electric fields are created by changing magnetic fields in a stationary reference frame. Motional EMF, on the other hand, occurs when a conductor moves through a static magnetic field. In the latter case, the charges in the moving conductor experience a magnetic force, creating a potential difference. Both phenomena are described by Faraday's law but arise from different physical situations.
21. How do induced electric fields affect the operation of electric motors?
In electric motors, induced electric fields play a crucial role in the back EMF (electromotive force) that opposes the applied voltage. As the motor rotates, the changing magnetic flux through the armature coils induces an electric field. This field creates a voltage that opposes the applied voltage, limiting the current and affecting the motor's speed and efficiency. Understanding and managing these induced fields is essential for motor design and control.
22. Can induced electric fields cause electromagnetic interference (EMI)?
Yes, induced electric fields can be a significant source of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Rapidly changing magnetic fields in electronic devices or power systems can induce electric fields in nearby conductors or circuits. These induced fields can create unwanted currents or voltages, leading to interference in sensitive electronic equipment. This is why proper shielding and EMI mitigation techniques are crucial in electronic design, especially for high-frequency or high-power applications.
23. How does the frequency of a changing magnetic field affect the induced electric field?
The frequency of the changing magnetic field directly impacts the strength of the induced electric field. According to Faraday's law, the induced EMF (and thus the induced electric field) is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux. Higher frequencies result in faster changes in magnetic flux, leading to stronger induced electric fields. This relationship is crucial in many applications, from power generation to radio communications, where the choice of frequency significantly affects the system's behavior.
24. What is the role of induced electric fields in wireless charging systems?
In wireless charging systems, induced electric fields are the primary mechanism for energy transfer. The charger creates a rapidly changing magnetic field, which induces an electric field in the receiving coil of the device being charged. This induced field creates a current in the receiving coil, which is then used to charge the device's battery. The efficiency of wireless charging depends on optimizing the induced electric field through proper coil design and alignment.
25. How do induced electric fields contribute to the operation of generators?
In electrical generators, induced electric fields are the key to converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. As the generator's rotor spins, it changes the magnetic flux through the stator coils. This changing flux induces an electric field in the coils, creating an alternating current. The strength and frequency of the induced field (and thus the output voltage) depend on the speed of rotation and the design of the magnetic system.
26. Can induced electric fields be used for energy harvesting?
Yes, induced electric fields can be used for energy harvesting. This principle is applied in various technologies, such as electromagnetic vibration energy harvesters. These devices use the motion of a magnet relative to a coil to induce electric fields, which then generate electrical energy from mechanical vibrations. Similar principles are used in some forms of wave energy converters and in systems that harvest energy from ambient electromagnetic fields.
27. How do induced electric fields affect the behavior of plasmas?
In plasmas, induced electric fields play a significant role in particle acceleration and plasma dynamics. Changing magnetic fields in a plasma induce electric fields that can accelerate charged particles, influencing the plasma's temperature, density, and overall behavior. This phenomenon is important in various fields, including fusion research, space physics, and plasma processing technologies.
28. What is the relationship between induced electric fields and Faraday rotation?
Faraday rotation, the rotation of the plane of polarization of light in a magnetic field, is related to induced electric fields. As light passes through a material in a magnetic field, the changing electric field of the light wave induces a magnetic field, which in turn induces an electric field. This interaction between the induced fields and the material's electrons causes the rotation of the polarization plane. Understanding this relationship is crucial in applications like optical isolators and in studying magnetic fields in space.
29. How do induced electric fields contribute to the operation of induction cooktops?
In induction cooktops, rapidly changing magnetic fields induce electric fields in the base of cooking vessels. These induced fields create eddy currents in the metal of the cookware, which generate heat through resistive heating. The strength of the induced field, and thus the heating effect, depends on the frequency and strength of the changing magnetic field, as well as the electrical properties of the cookware material.
30. What is the significance of induced electric fields in the Earth's magnetosphere?
Induced electric fields play a crucial role in the Earth's magnetosphere. Solar wind interactions with the Earth's magnetic field create changing magnetic fields, which induce electric fields in the ionosphere and magnetosphere. These fields drive currents in the ionosphere and contribute to phenomena like auroras. They also play a role in the acceleration of charged particles in the Van Allen radiation belts.
31. How do induced electric fields affect the operation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines?
In MRI machines, rapidly changing magnetic fields are used to generate images. These changing fields induce electric fields in the patient's body. While these fields are generally harmless, they can potentially cause peripheral nerve stimulation or heating in conductive implants. Understanding and controlling these induced fields is crucial for MRI safety and image quality. MRI designers must carefully consider the rate of change of magnetic fields to balance image quality with patient safety.
32. Can induced electric fields be used for wireless power transmission over long distances?
While induced electric fields are the basis for near-field wireless charging, their use for long-distance power transmission is challenging. The strength of induced fields typically decreases rapidly with distance from the source. However, research into resonant inductive coupling and other advanced techniques aims to extend the range of wireless power transmission using induced fields. These technologies could potentially enable more efficient and longer-range wireless power transfer in the future.
33. How do induced electric fields contribute to the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction in the Earth's core?
Electromagnetic induction in the Earth's core, which generates the geomagnetic field, involves complex interactions of induced electric fields. The motion of conductive molten iron in the outer core through the existing magnetic field induces electric fields. These fields, in turn, generate currents that reinforce the magnetic field, creating a self-sustaining geodynamo. Understanding these induced fields is crucial for geophysicists studying the Earth's magnetic field and its variations over time.
34. What is the role of induced electric fields in particle accelerators?
In particle accelerators, induced electric fields play a crucial role in particle acceleration. Changing magnetic fields in the accelerator's components induce electric fields that accelerate charged particles. This principle is used in devices like betatrons and synchrotrons. The precise control of these induced fields allows for the acceleration of particles to extremely high energies, essential for particle physics research and applications in medicine and materials science.
35. Can induced electric fields be used to generate X-rays?
Yes, induced electric fields can be used to generate X-rays indirectly. In devices like synchrotron light sources, electrons are accelerated to high speeds using changing magnetic fields that induce electric fields. When these high-energy electrons are then forced to change direction by magnetic fields, they emit synchrotron radiation, which can include X-rays. This principle is used in advanced X-ray sources for scientific research and medical imaging.
36. How do induced electric fields contribute to the phenomenon of magnetic braking?
Magnetic braking relies on induced electric fields. When a conductor moves through a magnetic field, the changing magnetic flux induces an electric field in the conductor. This field drives eddy currents, which create their own magnetic field opposing the motion (Lenz's law). The interaction between these fields results in a braking force. This principle is used in various applications, from roller coasters to electromagnetic brakes in vehicles.
37. What is the relationship between induced electric fields and the Hall effect?
While the Hall effect primarily involves the deflection of charge carriers in a magnetic field, induced electric fields can play a role in more complex scenarios. In AC Hall effect measurements or in the presence of time-varying magnetic fields, induced electric fields can contribute to the observed voltage. Understanding the interplay between these effects is important in accurately interpreting Hall effect measurements, especially in materials with complex electronic properties.
38. How do induced electric fields affect the propagation of radio waves in the ionosphere?
Induced electric fields play a significant role in the propagation of radio waves through the ionosphere. As radio waves interact with the ionized particles in the ionosphere, they induce oscillating electric fields. These fields, in turn, affect the motion of charged particles, influencing the wave's propagation, reflection
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