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This means that the magnetic field strength would increase and
in doing so the rate of change in magnetic flux would also
increase. This means more emf would be produced as emf= -n
d / dt but this would be impossible as it would violate the Law
of Conservation of Energy since electrical energy would be
created out of nothing if this was the case. Therefore, Lenzs
Law must hold true with the induced current opposing the initial
change in magnetic flux.
So what are the real life applications of this phenomenon? In
motors, when the rotor is spinning inside an external magnetic
field, the relative motion between the coils and the magnetic
field will result in a net change in magnetic flux. By Faradays
Law, an emf is induced and by Lenzs Law the induced current
with its magnetic field will oppose the change in magnetic flux.
This induced emf is known as the back emf. To satisfy Ohms
Law that V=IR, the back emf induced ensures the current will
be reduced and this prevents our motors from burning out.
Eddy currents are another application of Lenzs Law specific to
flat conductors. They are small circular whirling currents that
are induced on the surface of these flat conductors opposing
the change in magnetic flux. Induction cooktops take
advantage of this phenomenon where an oscillating magnetic
field induces eddy currents in the base of the pan, causing it to
heat up and cook our food.
First the induction cooktop uses a coil attached to a high
frequency AC power source which sets up the oscillating
magnetic field. This changing magnetic flux threads the base of
the pan inducing an emf by Faradays Law. By Lenzs Law, eddy
currents are induced on the bottom of the pan to oppose this
change in flux and these eddy currents heat up the pan through
resistive heating, allowing food to be cooked.
Another application of eddy currents exists in electromagnetic
braking. An external magnetic field is applied across a section
of the wheel. When this wheel rotates, there will be a change in
magnetic flux threading this section of the wheel due to relative