Mutual Induction

Overview

Mutual induction is a phenomenon in electromagnetism where a change in electric current in one coil induces an electromotive force (emf) in a nearby coil. This occurs due to the magnetic field generated by the first coil, which varies as the current changes. The induced emf in the second coil is proportional to the rate of change of current in the first coil and is described mathematically by the mutual inductance, a constant that depends on the physical characteristics of the coils, such as their geometry and the medium between them. Mutual induction is the principle behind transformers, inductors, and various electrical devices, enabling efficient energy transfer and signal transmission in circuits.

Questions and Answers

  1. What is mutual induction?

    Mutual induction is the process by which a change in electric current in one coil induces an electromotive force (emf) in a nearby coil due to the magnetic field created by the first coil.

  2. How is mutual inductance defined?

    Mutual inductance is defined as the ratio of the induced emf in one coil to the rate of change of current in the other coil. It is a measure of how effectively one coil can induce an emf in another coil.

  3. What factors affect mutual inductance between two coils?

    The factors affecting mutual inductance include the number of turns in each coil, the distance between the coils, the orientation of the coils, and the magnetic permeability of the medium between them.

  4. What is the unit of mutual inductance?

    The unit of mutual inductance is the henry (H), which is defined as the mutual inductance between two coils when a change of current of one ampere in one coil induces an emf of one volt in the other coil.

  5. How does mutual induction relate to transformers?

    In transformers, mutual induction is utilized to transfer electrical energy between two coils (primary and secondary) through a changing magnetic field, allowing for voltage transformation and efficient energy transfer.

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. What is the unit of mutual inductance?

    a) Volt (V)
    b) Ampere (A)
    c) Henry (H)
    d) Ohm (Ω)
    Answer: c) Henry (H)

  2. Which law explains the direction of the induced emf in mutual induction?

    a) Ohm's Law
    b) Faraday's Law
    c) Lenz's Law
    d) Ampere's Law
    Answer: c) Lenz's Law

  3. What happens to the induced emf in a coil if the current in the neighboring coil is increased rapidly?

    a) It decreases
    b) It remains constant
    c) It increases
    d) It becomes zero
    Answer: c) It increases

  4. In a transformer, which coil is responsible for inducing emf in the other coil?

    a) Secondary coil
    b) Tertiary coil
    c) Primary coil
    d) Ground coil
    Answer: c) Primary coil

  5. What is the effect of increasing the number of turns in the secondary coil of a transformer?

    a) Decreases mutual inductance
    b) Increases induced emf
    c) Decreases induced emf
    d) Has no effect on induced emf
    Answer: b) Increases induced emf