The physics behind an electric motor and induced emf?

In summary, the external magnetic field and the current in the wire loop interact to produce a torque that causes the motor to spin. The changing magnetic flux in the rotating coil also induces a back emf, which can be a problem for motors with high inductance. In a generator, the mechanical energy applied to the motor causes it to rotate, which then produces a current through the wire loop due to the changing magnetic flux. The induced current in the wire loop also produces a torque that opposes the external torque applied to the motor.
  • #1
ConfPhysics
2
0
I am having trouble understanding a process in the electric motor. using this website as a frame of reference (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/mothow.html), as an electric current is passed into that magnetic field, shouldn't the current also be creating a magnetic field, and does that magnetic field interfere with the magnetic field already present?

Also when the coil in the magnetic field begins spinning is that what is causing the change in magnetic flux? If so, as that flux is changing should a back emf be induced, and if so again through what medium does that back emf travel? Sorry for so many questions I appreciate any help.
 
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  • #2
The field produced by the current plays no part in the interaction of a current in an externally applied magnetic field. Note the equation relating the force on a current to the external field.

The change in the magnetic flux is changing due to the motion of the coils in the rotor and/or the changing current and this does produce a back emf. This back emf is across the windings of the motor. This emf is a real issue for motor with a large inductance . When you turn off the motor the back emf can be so large as to cause an arc across the switch or even the windings.
 
  • #3
gleem said:
The field produced by the current plays no part in the interaction of a current in an externally applied magnetic field. Note the equation relating the force on a current to the external field.

The change in the magnetic flux is changing due to the motion of the coils in the rotor and/or the changing current and this does produce a back emf. This back emf is across the windings of the motor. This emf is a real issue for motor with a large inductance . When you turn off the motor the back emf can be so large as to cause an arc across the switch or even the windings.

Does the back emf travel in the opposite direction as the original current, literally reducing it, or do they travel in different paths?
 
  • #4
ConfPhysics:

First of all, to eliminate any thinking about counter effects of currents, I ask that you stop thinking of the north and south poles shown in the figure as coming from an electromanget excited by some current and instead think of them as being permanent magnet and that's it...no wires, no current...i.e., a permanent magnet motor.

O.k., then...now, keep the following two things in mind:

A motor is a device that converts electric (current) energy into mechanical (rotational) energy.
A generator is a device that converts mechanical (rotational) energy into electric energy.

If we want to talk about a motor, we need a source of emf to inject a current. We inject this current into the wire loop which produces a magnetic field of its own...the direction of this magnetic field is such that when interacting with the existing one together they produce a torque on the wire making it spin. And, yes, once the loop is rotating, it will experience a changing flux which will induce an emf which will oppose the source emf being used to push the current in the first place.

If we want to talk about a generator, then, using the exact same figure and device, we "inject" mechanical (rotational) energy to the shaft of the wire loop, once rotating, it will experience a change in magnetic flux that will produce an emf and you will be able to get a current out of the wire loop if you connect a load to it. If you apply the right-hand-rule, you should notice that the current induced in the wire loop produces a magnetic field that when interacting with the existing one produces a torque that opposes the external torque being injected into the shaft.
 

Related to The physics behind an electric motor and induced emf?

1. How does an electric motor work?

An electric motor works by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. This is achieved through the interaction between the magnetic field produced by an electric current and the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. This interaction creates a force that causes the motor to rotate.

2. What is the role of induced emf in an electric motor?

Induced emf, or electromotive force, is the voltage generated in a conductor when it moves through a magnetic field. In an electric motor, induced emf is responsible for creating the rotating magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnet to produce motion.

3. How is the strength of an electric motor determined?

The strength of an electric motor is determined by several factors, including the strength of the permanent magnet, the amount of current flowing through the motor, and the design of the motor's coils and armature. The more current that flows through the motor, the stronger the magnetic field and the more powerful the motor will be.

4. What is the difference between AC and DC motors?

AC (alternating current) motors use an alternating current power source, which means the direction of the current changes periodically. DC (direct current) motors, on the other hand, use a direct current power source, where the current flows in one direction only. The main difference in the physics behind these motors is the way the magnetic field is created and how it interacts with the permanent magnet to produce motion.

5. How can the efficiency of an electric motor be improved?

The efficiency of an electric motor can be improved by reducing the amount of energy lost as heat. This can be achieved through better design and materials, as well as reducing friction and resistance in the motor. Additionally, using renewable energy sources to power the motor can also improve its overall efficiency.

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