Electromagnetic Induction — Interactive Diagram
See how moving a magnet near a coil makes electricity — the idea behind every generator.
TL;DR: See how moving a magnet near a coil makes electricity — the idea behind every generator.
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
Electromagnetic Induction: See how moving a magnet near a coil makes electricity — the idea behind every generator.
Why it matters: Induction (Faraday’s law) is how generators and transformers produce electricity — a cornerstone of physics.
Electromagnetic Induction — Step by Step
- Take a coil of wire connected to a meter (galvanometer). With everything still, no current flows — the needle stays at zero.
- Now PUSH a magnet INTO the coil. The changing magnetic field INDUCES a current — the needle swings one way!
- PULL the magnet out and the needle swings the OTHER way. Movement = electricity. This is electromagnetic induction.
Quick Notes — the Exam Crux
- Electromagnetic induction is producing a current by changing the magnetic field through a coil.
- It was discovered by Michael Faraday.
- A current is induced ONLY when the magnetic field through the coil is changing (moving magnet or coil).
- A faster change, more coil turns and a stronger magnet all increase the induced current.
- The direction of the induced current reverses when the motion reverses.
- This principle runs generators (motion → electricity) and transformers.
Remember It (Memory Trick)
Move a magnet near a coil → a current is induced. "Change the magnetic field, get a current." Faster movement, a stronger magnet or more turns = a bigger current (Faraday's law).
Real-Life Example
A bicycle dynamo lights your lamp as you pedal: the spinning magnet inside induces a current in the coil — no battery needed, just motion.
Test Yourself
What must happen for a current to be induced in a coil?
The magnetic field passing through the coil must change — for example, a magnet moving in or out.
Name one device that works on electromagnetic induction.
An electric generator/dynamo (or a transformer).
How can you increase the induced current?
Move the magnet faster, use a stronger magnet, or use more turns in the coil.
📖 Read the full explanation of Electromagnetic Induction →
More Visual Lessons
- A Simple Electric Circuit
- Dispersion of Light (Prism)
- How We Hear (Sound)
- Refraction of Light
- Series vs Parallel Circuits
- Magnetic Field of a Bar Magnet
🤖 Stuck on any of these? Ask Syllab's free AI Tutor to explain step by step →