Electromagnetic induction and conductor

[ViolentCorpse]

Hello everyone,

One very basic thing about this phenomenon is not very clear to me. If a conductor moves in a region of uniform magnetic field, would it have an EMF induced across it? I'm confused because as per Faraday's law, a change in flux through the conductor is necessary for EMF to be induced in it but if the flux is everywhere the same in the region where the conductor is moving, there should be no change in flux through it and consequently, no EMF in it.

How much wrong am I?

 

[mfb]

If a conductor moves in a region of uniform magnetic field, would it have an EMF induced across it?

If it has a component perpendicular to both motion and magnetic field, yes.

I'm confused because as per Faraday's law, a change in flux through the conductor is necessary for EMF to be induced in it but if the flux is everywhere the same in the region where the conductor is moving, there should be no change in flux through it and consequently, no EMF in it.

Think of an imaginary loop, with the moving conductor and some stationary part, completing the loop (and some hand-waving to maintain the connection). The flux through this loop will change.

 

[Ezio3.1415]

Remember the F=qvB sin (theta) formula... The electrons in the wire will be pushed by the m field resulting in current flowing the opposite direction... As mfb said,there only has to a component of the m field perpendicular to the velocity...

 

[ViolentCorpse]

I see.

Thank you!

 

[sardar]

Hello there! Your question is a very valid one and shows that you have a good understanding of Faraday's law of induction. You are correct in saying that a change in flux is necessary for an EMF to be induced in a conductor. However, in the case of a conductor moving in a uniform magnetic field, there is a change in the orientation of the conductor with respect to the magnetic field. This change in orientation causes a change in the flux through the conductor, thus inducing an EMF. So, your understanding is not wrong, but it is important to consider all factors, such as the orientation of the conductor, when applying Faraday's law. I hope this helps clarify things for you! Keep asking questions and exploring the wonders of electromagnetic induction.