Induction - Definition, Difference, FAQs

Induction - Definition, Difference, FAQs

Team Careers360Updated on 02 Jul 2025, 04:30 PM IST

Induction is a basic principle of physics, which concerns the generation of electric current or voltage by a changing magnetic field. It is important for many applications in practice such as electric generators, transformers, or inductive charging systems. Understanding induction explains why many of the things used on a day-to-day basis including home appliances, electric cars and many others, work efficiently. This article focuses on the definition, their differences, and induction questions. Therefore, their significance in today’s world will be easier to appreciate.

This Story also Contains

  1. What is Inductance?
  2. Self Induction
  3. Mutual Induction
  4. Difference Between Self-Inductance and Mutual Inductance
Induction - Definition, Difference, FAQs
Induction

What is Inductance?

Inductance refers to an electrical conductor’s capability to withstand the changes in electric current passing through it. L is the symbol to represent inductance and its SI unit is Henry. One Henry is defined as the quantity of inductance whereby an induced emf of 1 volt appears in a coil of wire carrying out a change in current of 1 ampere/second.

Factors Affecting Inductance

  • Inductance is affected by the following factors:
  • The inductor turns to measure how many turns there are in the wire.
  • In the core is a material used.
  • The shape of the core.

Types of Inductance

Inductance is classified into two types:

  • Self Induction
  • Mutual Induction
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Self Induction

The electromotive force is created whenever there is a variation in either the electrical current or the magnetic flux of the coil. Such a process is known as Self-Inductance. At any instant when the current begins to increase in the coil, the magnetic flux is found to vary directly with the current in the circuit. The relationship is expressed as:

$$
\phi=L \times I
$$
Where $L$ is termed as the self-inductance of the coil or the coefficient of self-inductance, the self-inductance depends on the cross-sectional area, the permeability of the material, and the number of turns in the coil.

The rate of change of magnetic flux in the coil is given as,

$$
\begin{aligned}
& e=-\frac{d \phi}{d t}=-\frac{d(L I)}{d t} \\
& e=-L \frac{d I}{d t}
\end{aligned}
$$

Self Inductance Formula

$$
L=N \frac{\phi}{T}
$$
Where,
Lis the self-inductance in Henries
N is the number of turns
$\Phi$ is the magnetic flux
I is the current in amperes

Mutual Induction

Let us consider two coils. The first coil will be referred to as the P- coil (Primary coil) and the second will be is S- coil (Secondary coil). A battery and a key are connected to the P-coil, while a galvanometer is connected across the S-coil. Whenever there is a change in the provided current or the magnetic flux associated with both coils, then in each coil an electromotive force appears which opposes the change, this is called Mutual Inductance.

This phenomenon is given by the relation:

$$
\phi=M I
$$
Where $M$ is termed as the mutual inductance of the two coils or the coefficient of the mutual inductance of the two coils.

The rate of change of magnetic flux in the coil is given as,

$$
\begin{aligned}
& e=-\frac{d \phi}{d t}=-\frac{d(M I)}{d t} \\
& e=-M \frac{d I}{d t}
\end{aligned}
$$

Mutual Inductance Formula

$$
M=\frac{\mu_0 \mu_1 N_1 N_2 A}{l}
$$
Where,
$\mu_0$ is the permeability of free space
$\mu_r$ is the relative permeability of the soft iron core
N is the number of turns in the coil
$A$ is the cross-sectional area in $\mathrm{m}^2$
I is the length of the coil in $m$

Difference Between Self-Inductance and Mutual Inductance

Self-induction
Mutual induction
is the coil's self-inductance.
The mutual inductance of a pair of coils is its characteristic.
When the coil's main current decreases, the induced current opposes the decay of the coil's current.If the coil's main current decreases, the induced current developed in the neighboring coil opposes that decline.
Whenever the coil's main current increases, the induced current opposes it.A neighboring coil develops induced current when the main coil's current increases and this impedes the coil's growth.

Also read :

Derivation of Inductance

Consider a DC source. When the switch is turned on, the current flows from zero to a certain value such that there is a change in the rate of current flowing. Let $\phi$ be the change in flux due to current flow. The change in flux is with respect to time which is given as:

$$
\frac{d \varphi}{d t}
$$
Apply Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction,

$$
E=N \frac{d \phi}{d t}
$$
Where,
N is the number of turns in the coil
E is the induced EMF across the coil

From Lenz's law, we can write the above equation as

$$
E=-N \frac{d \phi}{d t}
$$
The above equation is modified for calculating the value of inductance

$$
\begin{aligned}
& E=-N \frac{d \phi}{d t} \\
& E=-L \frac{d i}{d t}
\end{aligned}
$$

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does the concept of mutual inductance apply to wireless power transfer?
A:
Wireless power transfer relies heavily on mutual inductance. Two coils – a transmitter and a receiver – are designed to have high mutual inductance. When an alternating current flows through the transmitter coil, it induces a changing magnetic field. This field then induces a current in the receiver coil due to mutual inductance, effectively transferring power without direct electrical contact.
Q: What is the difference between statically and dynamically induced EMF?
A:
Statically induced EMF occurs when a conductor is at rest in a changing magnetic field, such as in a transformer. Dynamically induced EMF occurs when a conductor moves through a static magnetic field, as in a generator. Both result from changing magnetic flux, but the cause of the change differs: field variation in static induction and conductor motion in dynamic induction.
Q: What is the role of electromagnetic induction in wireless charging technologies?
A:
Wireless charging technologies rely on electromagnetic induction. A changing current in the charging pad creates a changing magnetic field, which induces a current in a coil within the device being charged. This induced current is then used to charge the device's battery. The efficiency of this process depends on the alignment and distance between the charging pad and the device.
Q: What is the significance of the skin effect in electromagnetic induction?
A:
The skin effect is a phenomenon where alternating current tends to flow near the surface of a conductor. This effect becomes more pronounced at higher frequencies. In electromagnetic induction, the skin effect can influence the distribution of induced currents within a conductor, affecting the overall inductance and resistance of the system, particularly in AC applications and high-frequency transformers.
Q: How does electromagnetic induction relate to the concept of back EMF in motors?
A:
Back EMF (electromotive force) in motors is a direct result of electromagnetic induction. As a motor rotates, its coils move through the magnetic field, inducing an EMF that opposes the applied voltage. This induced EMF, or back EMF, increases with motor speed and acts as a natural speed limiter. Understanding back EMF is crucial for motor design and control.
Q: How does the concept of mutual inductance apply to coupled circuits?
A:
Mutual inductance is a measure of how much EMF is induced in one circuit due to current changes in another nearby circuit. In coupled circuits, such as transformers, the mutual inductance determines how effectively energy is transferred between the circuits. The strength of coupling depends on factors like the proximity of the circuits and the magnetic properties of any core material.
Q: What is the significance of the Maxwell-Faraday equation in electromagnetic theory?
A:
The Maxwell-Faraday equation, one of Maxwell's equations, mathematically describes Faraday's law of induction. It states that a changing magnetic field produces a circulating electric field. This equation is crucial in understanding the interrelationship between electric and magnetic fields and forms the basis for explaining electromagnetic waves and many other electromagnetic phenomena.
Q: How does electromagnetic induction contribute to the operation of electric guitars?
A:
In electric guitars, electromagnetic induction is used to convert string vibrations into electrical signals. The guitar's pickups contain magnets wrapped with coils of wire. When a metal string vibrates near these pickups, it causes fluctuations in the magnetic field, inducing a small current in the coils. This induced current is then amplified to produce the guitar's sound.
Q: What is the role of electromagnetic induction in superconducting magnetic energy storage systems?
A:
Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems use electromagnetic induction to store and release energy. A large superconducting coil is charged by inducing a current in it. Due to superconductivity, this current can circulate with virtually no loss. When energy is needed, the magnetic field is allowed to collapse, inducing a current in an external circuit, thus releasing the stored energy.
Q: How does the concept of self-inductance relate to the energy stored in a magnetic field?
A:
Self-inductance is a measure of a circuit's ability to store energy in its magnetic field. When current flows through an inductor, it creates a magnetic field. The energy stored in this field is proportional to the self-inductance of the circuit and the square of the current. This stored energy is released when the current changes, manifesting as an induced EMF that opposes the change in current.

Questions related to

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to ?

Whether it is not mandatory to attend induction or not confirm it with nit ap or previous year students as there is no information available on their website regarding this.

Generally induction program is like a pre interaction with your faculty, staff or your seniors.it introduces you to the life at the university, academic procedures,you will get an overall review of what is going to happen in this academic years.so its better to attend it.


I hope this helps you.

Hello Mahika

To know whether or whether not you will get any refund, you will have to contact your college authorities as they are the ones who would be able to tell the same clearly.

Each college has its own refund policy. While some colleges may give up to 100% refund, some may even deny it at the first place. So you will need to contact your college to know the exact refund policy.

Thank You!!!

Correct Answer: Employee benefits

 


Solution : The correct answer is (c) Employee benefits

LMN Enterprises plans to attract seasonal employees by offering incentives such as bonuses and flexible working hours. This strategy is related to employee benefits, as these perks are part of the overall compensation package designed to attract and retain candidates. In this context, the organization is using attractive benefits to make the temporary positions more appealing to potential seasonal employees.

Correct Answer: Outsourcing training


Solution : The correct answer is (d) Outsourcing training

When the HR manager at PQR Inc. decides to use external consultants to provide specialized training to employees for their new roles, the strategy being employed is outsourcing training. Outsourcing training involves hiring external experts or consultants to deliver specific training programs or sessions to employees, leveraging external expertise to meet the organization's training needs. This approach is common when organizations seek specialized knowledge or skills that may not be available internally.

Correct Answer: Employee benefits

  


Solution : The correct answer is (c) Employee benefits

LMN Enterprises plans to attract seasonal employees by offering incentives such as bonuses and flexible working hours. This strategy is related to employee benefits, as these perks are part of the overall compensation package designed to attract and retain candidates. In this context, the organization is using attractive benefits to make the temporary positions more appealing to potential seasonal employees.