What is Mutually Induced EMF? definition and explanation

Mutually Induced EMF is the EMF induced in a coil caused by the change of flux produced by another neighboring coil linking to it. There is a wide application of mutually induced EMF. The transformer functions on the principle of mutual induction.

We can understand the mutually induced phenomenon by taking the following example.

mutually induced emf diagram

On closing the switch (S) in the circuit shown above, the current I1 flows through the coil -1, and it produces the fluxφ1. The flux produced in coil-1 links to coil-2. we assume, that most of the flux says φ12 links with the other coil-2.

The change in the flux in coil-1 happens when the current changes. The change in the current can be done through the variable resistor (R). The magnitude of electric current changes with a change in the value of the resistance and it leads to a change in the flux in the coil-1. This changing flux links to coil-2 and produces EMF. A galvanometer connected in coil-2 measures the induced EMF. The EMF produced in coil-2 is called Mutually Induced EMF.

The direction of induced EMF always opposes the reason for its production. In other words, the direction of the EMF produced in coil-2 opposes the current in coil-1. This phenomenon was proposed by Lenz, and it is called Lenz’s Law.

The direction of the induced EMF is such that it opposes the cause which produces it, which means it opposes the change of current in the first coil. This effect of opposition caused by its own reason of production is called Lenz’s Law. A galvanometer (G) is connected to coil B for measuring the induced EMF.

Formula of Mutually Induced EMF

The voltage induced in coil-2 depends on the rate of change of the current in coil-1. Therefore,

M is the Constant of Proportionality and is also called Mutual Inductance or Coefficient of Mutual Inductance.

Solved Example

The mutual inductance of two nearby coaxial coils is 3mH. If a current (40 A)sin 500t is passed in one of the coils, then find the peak value of induced EMF in the second coil.

Solved Example on mutually induced emf

The peak value is 80 volts.

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