Time Varying Magnetic Field

Time Varying Magnetic Field

Vishal kumarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 06:05 PM IST

A time-varying magnetic field is a magnetic field whose strength and direction change over time. This phenomenon is fundamental in the study of electromagnetism and has a wide range of practical applications in everyday life. When a magnetic field changes, it induces an electric field, a principle known as electromagnetic induction. This principle is the backbone of many modern technologies. For example, it is used in the generation of electricity in power plants, where rotating turbines create time-varying magnetic fields that induce electric currents. Another common application is in transformers, which adjust the voltage of electric power for safe and efficient transmission and distribution. The concept also finds use in wireless communication devices, where varying magnetic fields are used to transmit data over distances. Understanding time-varying magnetic fields is crucial for developing and improving the technology that powers and connects our world.

This Story also Contains

  1. Time-Varying Magnetic Field
  2. Solved Examples Based on Time-Varying Magnetic Field
  3. Summary
Time Varying Magnetic Field
Time Varying Magnetic Field

Time-Varying Magnetic Field

A time-varying magnetic field is a magnetic field whose magnitude and direction change over time. This dynamic behaviour is a fundamental aspect of electromagnetism and plays a critical role in various technological applications. In essence, when a magnetic field varies with time, it induces an electric field, a phenomenon described by Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction. This principle is at the heart of many devices we use daily.

As we learn Induced electric field is given by

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

But by using $\phi=B. A$ so we can also write

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

Where

A $\rightarrow$ constant Area

B $\rightarrow$ Varying Magnetic field

Example

A uniform but time-varying magnetic field B(t) exists in a circular region of radius ‘a’ and is directed into the plane of the paper as shown in the below figure, the magnitude of the induced electric field $\left(E_{i n}\right)$ at point P lies at a distance r from the centre of the circular region is calculated as follows.

Due to the time-varying magnetic field induced electric field will be produced whose electric field lines are concentric circular closed curves of radius r.

$
\begin{aligned}
\text { if } r & \leq a \\
\text { then } E_{\text {in }}(2 \pi r) & =\pi r^2\left|\frac{d B}{d t}\right| \\
\Rightarrow & E_{\text {in }}=\frac{r}{2}\left|\frac{d B}{d t}\right|
\end{aligned}
$

For $r>R$,
$
\begin{aligned}
& E_{\text {in }} * 2 \pi r=\pi a^2\left|\frac{d B}{d t}\right| \\
& \Rightarrow E_{\text {in }}=\frac{a^2}{2 r}\left|\frac{d B}{d t}\right|
\end{aligned}
$

The graph of E vs r

where E=induced electric field

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Solved Examples Based on Time-Varying Magnetic Field

Example 1: The flux linked with a coil at any instant t is given by $\phi=10 t^2-50 t+250$. The induced emf (in Volts) at t = 3s is

1) -10

2) -190

3) 190

4) 10

Solution:

Rate of change of magnetic Flux

$\varepsilon=\frac{-d \phi}{d t}$

wherein

$\begin{aligned} & d \phi \rightarrow \phi_2-\phi_1 \\ & \phi=10 \mathrm{t}^2-50 t+250 \\ & \therefore \quad \frac{d \phi}{d t}=20 t-50 \\ & \text { Induced em } f, \varepsilon=\frac{-d \phi}{d t} \\ & \text { or } \varepsilon=-(20 t-50)=-[(20 \times 3)-50]=-10 \text { volt } \\ & \text { or } \varepsilon=-10 \text { volt }\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is the option (1).

Example 2: Figure shows three regions of the magnetic field, each of area A, and in each region magnitude of the magnetic field decreases at a constant rate a. If $\vec{E}$ is an induced electric field then the value of line integral $\oint \vec{E}.{d \vec{r}}$. along the given loop is equal to

1) $\alpha A$
2) $-\alpha A$
3) $3 \alpha A$
4) $-3 \alpha A$

Solution:

Rate of change of magnetic Flux

$\varepsilon=\frac{-d \phi}{d t}$
wherein

$
d \phi \rightarrow \phi_2-\phi_1
$
$\phi_2-\phi_1-$ change in flux
Potential
$
\int \vec{E} \cdot d \vec{r}=-\frac{d \phi}{d t}
$

and take the sign of flux according to the right-hand curl rule.

$\int \vec{E} \cdot d \vec{r}=-((\alpha A)+(\alpha A)+(-\alpha A))=-\alpha A$

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Example 3: 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 4: Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that the induced emf is

1) Proportional to the change in magnetic flux linkage

2) Equal to the change in magnetic flux linkage

3) Equal to the change of magnetic flux

4) Proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux

Solution:

Flux may change with time in several ways

$
\varepsilon=N \frac{-d}{d t}(B A \cos \Theta)
$

From Faraday's law
$
\varepsilon=-N \frac{d \phi}{d t}
$

Where $\phi=B A \cos \theta$

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

Example 5: 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 $I=I_0 \cos (\omega t)$. 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 (1).

Summary

A time-varying magnetic field induces an electric field, a principle described by Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction. This phenomenon is crucial in various applications, such as electricity generation, transformers, and wireless communication. Understanding the induced electric fields, as demonstrated through practical examples and mathematical equations, highlights the importance of this concept in both theoretical and applied electromagnetism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do time-varying magnetic fields enable the operation of magnetic sensors like search coils?
A:
Search coils, also known as induction coils, detect time-varying magnetic fields by utilizing Faraday's law of induction. The
Q: What is the relationship between time-varying magnetic fields and electromagnetic momentum?
A:
Time-varying magnetic fields, along with their associated electric fields, carry electromagnetic momentum. This momentum is described by the Poynting vector, which represents the directional energy flux density of an electromagnetic field. In systems with time-varying fields, the exchange of this momentum with matter can result in forces, as seen in the operation of antennas and in the radiation pressure of light.
Q: What is magnetic reluctance, and how does it affect the behavior of time-varying magnetic fields in magnetic circuits?
A:
Magnetic reluctance is the magnetic equivalent of electrical resistance, representing the opposition to magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit. In systems with time-varying magnetic fields, such as transformers or motors, the reluctance of the magnetic path affects the strength and distribution of the magnetic field. Lower reluctance paths (e.g., iron cores) concentrate the magnetic flux, improving the coupling between primary and secondary coils in transformers.
Q: How do time-varying magnetic fields contribute to the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction in the Earth's magnetic field?
A:
The Earth's magnetic field, while largely static, has small time-varying components due to solar activity and other factors. These variations can induce currents in large conductive structures like power lines and pipelines. During geomagnetic storms, these induced currents can become significant enough to disrupt power grids and other infrastructure.
Q: How do time-varying magnetic fields enable contactless smart card technology?
A:
Contactless smart cards use a principle called near-field communication (NFC), which relies on time-varying magnetic fields. The card reader generates a time-varying magnetic field, which induces a current in the card's antenna when it's brought close. This powers the card's chip and allows for data exchange through modulation of the magnetic field.
Q: What is magnetic levitation, and how does it use time-varying magnetic fields?
A:
Magnetic levitation (maglev) technology uses magnetic fields to suspend objects without physical support. While static fields can provide lift, time-varying fields are often used for stability and propulsion. In maglev trains, for example, time-varying fields in the guideway interact with superconducting magnets on the train to provide both lift and forward motion.
Q: What is the relationship between time-varying magnetic fields and Faraday cages?
A:
Faraday cages are enclosures made of conductive material that block electromagnetic fields. While they are effective against static electric fields, their performance with time-varying magnetic fields depends on the frequency and the cage's design. At high frequencies, induced currents in the cage material can effectively shield the interior from external time-varying magnetic fields.
Q: How do time-varying magnetic fields enable wireless charging for mobile devices?
A:
Wireless charging for mobile devices typically uses a principle called inductive coupling, which relies on time-varying magnetic fields. The charger contains a coil that generates a time-varying magnetic field when supplied with AC. This field induces a current in a corresponding coil in the device, which is then used to charge the battery.
Q: What is the skin depth in a conductor, and how is it related to time-varying magnetic fields?
A:
Skin depth is the distance below the surface of a conductor at which the current density has fallen to 1/e (about 37%) of its value at the surface. It's a consequence of the skin effect caused by time-varying magnetic fields within the conductor. The skin depth decreases with increasing frequency of the time-varying field and with increasing conductivity and permeability of the material.
Q: How do time-varying magnetic fields contribute to the operation of magnetic recording devices?
A:
In magnetic recording devices, such as hard disk drives, time-varying magnetic fields are used to write data. The write head generates a time-varying magnetic field that aligns the magnetic domains on the recording medium. During playback, the movement of the medium past the read head creates a time-varying magnetic field that induces a current in the head, allowing the data to be read.