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Electricity and Magnetism
Mutual Induction
Mutual induction is the phenomenon where a change in current in one coil induces an electromotive force in a nearby secondary coil. The magnitude of the induced EMF depends on the rate of change of current and the mutual inductance between the circuits.
UP TGT ScienceUP PGT PhysicsStudy Notes + Practice
Scope and prerequisites
TGT core
Definition of mutual induction, factors affecting mutual inductance, formula for EMF induced by mutual inductance (e = -M di/dt), and simple numerical calculations.
PGT extension
Derivation of mutual inductance for standard configurations like two coaxial solenoids, reciprocity theorem of mutual inductance (M12 = M21), energy stored in coupled coils, and series/parallel combinations of mutually coupled inductors.
Prerequisites
Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction
Lenz's law and magnetic flux
Self-inductance of a coil
Fundamental Principle of Mutual Induction
When an electric current i1 flows through a primary coil, it produces a magnetic field linked with a secondary coil.
Any temporal variation in i1 changes the magnetic flux Φ2 linked with the secondary coil.
The induced EMF in the secondary coil opposes the change in magnetic flux per Lenz's law.
Coefficient of Mutual Inductance (M)
Magnetic flux linked with the secondary coil is proportional to the current in the primary coil: N2Φ2 = M i1.
Mutual inductance M depends on the geometry, number of turns, separation, orientation, and magnetic permeability of the core medium.
The SI unit of mutual inductance is henry (H) or Wb A-1, with dimensions [M1 L2 T-2 A-2].
Reciprocity Theorem for Mutual Inductance
The mutual inductance between two coils is symmetric, meaning M12 = M21 = M.
This relation holds true for any pair of rigid, linear circuits situated in a uniform magnetic medium.
It simplifies complex network calculations involving magnetically coupled circuits.
Coefficient of Coupling (k)
The coefficient of coupling k measures the magnetic linkage between two coils, defined as $M = k\sqrt{L_{1} L_{2}}$.
For perfectly coupled coils with zero flux leakage, k = 1 and $M = \sqrt{L_{1} L_{2}}$.
For loosely coupled coils, k is close to 0.
Derivations
Mutual Inductance of Two Long Coaxial Solenoids
Conditions: Two long coaxial solenoids of same length l, radii r1 and r2 (r1 < r2), and total turns N1 and N2.
Let a current i1 flow through the inner solenoid of radius r1, length l, and N1 turns.
The magnetic field inside the inner solenoid is uniform and given by B1 = μ0 (N1 / l) i1.
The magnetic flux linked with a single turn of the outer solenoid is Φ21 = B1 A1 = μ0 (N1 / l) i1 (π r12).
The total flux linkage with the outer solenoid of N2 turns is N2 Φ21 = [μ0 N1 N2 π r12 / l] i1.
By definition, N2 Φ21 = M i1, which yields $M = \mu_{0} N_{1} N_{2} \pi r_{1}^{2} / l$.
Conditions: Two mutually coupled coils carrying currents i1 and i2.
The total instantaneous EMFs in the two coils are given by v1 = L1 (di1/dt) + M (di2/dt) and v2 = L2 (di2/dt) + M (di1/dt).
The total electrical work done in building up the currents from zero to final values is d$W = v_{1} i_{1} dt + v_{2} i_{2} dt$.
Integrating this expression for time interval gives the total magnetic potential energy stored: $U = (1/2) L_{1} i_{1}^{2} + (1/2) L_{2} i_{2}^{2} + M i_{1} i_{2}$.
For aiding fields, the mutual energy term is positive; for opposing fields, it is negative.
Parallel connected coupled inductors with aiding flux
Maximum Induced Voltage Magnitude
$$e_{max} = M \omega I_{0}$$
$\omega = angular frequency of AC$, I0 = peak primary current V
Sinusoidal primary current i1(t) = I0 sin(ωt)
Graphs and experiments
Induced EMF vs Rate of Change of Current
Draw: A straight line passing through the origin with a negative slope (-M) on a graph of e2 versus di1/dt.
Interpret: The magnitude of induced EMF is directly proportional to the rate of change of current, and the constant of proportionality is the mutual inductance M.
Exam use: Used to determine mutual inductance experimentally from gradient calculations.
Flux vs Current Linearity Plot
Draw: A linear plot of total flux linkage N2Φ2 on the y-axis against primary current i1 on the x-axis.
Interpret: Confirms the linear relationship N2Φ2 = M i1 in non-saturating magnetic cores.
Exam use: Identifying magnetic core saturation limits in transformers and inductors.
Aiding vs Opposing Flux Configuration
Draw: Schematic representation of two coils with dot conventions indicating current entry terminals.
Interpret: The dot convention specifies the polarity of the mutually induced voltage without requiring explicit field drawings.
Exam use: Resolving series and parallel equivalent inductance problems with coupled coils.
Solved numericals
TGT core
The mutual inductance of two coils is 1.5 H. If the current in the primary coil changes from 10 A to zero in 0.05 s, calculate the average induced EMF in the secondary coil.
Identify given values: M = 1.5 H, initial current ii = 10 A, final current if = 0 A, Δt = 0.05 s.
Two coils of self-inductances L1 = 4 H and L2 = 9 H are magnetically coupled with a coupling coefficient k = 0.5. Find the mutual inductance M and the equivalent inductance when they are connected in series-aiding.
Use coupling relation: $M = k \sqrt{L_{1} L_{2}}$.
A primary coil has 500 turns and a secondary coil has 1000 turns. A current of 2 A in the primary produces a magnetic flux of 4 × 10-4 Wb per turn in the secondary. Find the mutual inductance of the system and the induced EMF if the primary current is interrupted in 1 ms.
Identify given values: N2 = 1000, i1 = 2 A, Φ2 = 4 × 10-4 Wb, Δ$t = 1 ms = 10^{-3} s$.
Calculate total flux linkage in secondary: N2Φ2 = 1000 × 4 × 10-4 = 0.4 Wb.
The permeability (μ) of the magnetic core material is assumed to be constant and independent of the magnetic field intensity (linear medium limitation).
Magnetic flux leakage is assumed negligible unless quantified explicitly by the coupling coefficient k.
Common misconceptions
Common error: Mutual inductance depends on the magnitude of the current flowing through the primary coil.
Correct: Mutual inductance is purely a geometric and material property independent of current magnitude.
M relates flux linkage to current linearly; changing current alters induced EMF, not the constant M.
Common error: The coefficient of coupling k can exceed 1.
Correct: The value of k always lies between 0 and 1 inclusive.
k represents the fraction of total flux linked, which cannot exceed 100%.
Quick revision
Mutual inductance M links current in one circuit to magnetic flux linkage in another: N2Φ2 = M i1.
Induced secondary EMF is given by e2 = -M (di1/dt).
Reciprocity theorem states M12 = M21.
Series aiding has Leq = L1 + L2 + 2M while series opposing has Leq = L1 + L2 - 2M.
Must remember
Mutual inductance $M$ depends purely on the geometry, number of turns, separation, orientation, and magnetic permeability of the core medium, and is independent of the current magnitude.
The induced electromotive force in the secondary coil is given by Faraday's and Lenz's law as $e_2 = -M \frac{di_1}{dt}$.
The reciprocity theorem states that the mutual inductance between two linear circuits is symmetric, i.e., $M_{12} = M_{21} = M$.
The coefficient of coupling $k$ is defined by $M = k \sqrt{L_1 L_2}$ and its value lies strictly between $0$ and $1$ inclusive.
For two coupled coils connected in series aiding, the equivalent inductance is $L_{eq} = L_1 + L_2 + 2M$, while for series opposing it is $L_{eq} = L_1 + L_2 - 2M$.
Glossary
Mutual Inductance ($M$)The property by which a change of current in one coil induces an electromotive force in a neighboring coil, measured in henrys (H).
Coefficient of Coupling ($k$)A dimensionless parameter between $0$ and $1$ indicating the fraction of magnetic flux from one coil that links with another coil.
Reciprocity TheoremThe principle stating that the mutual inductance $M_{12}$ of coil 2 due to coil 1 equals the mutual inductance $M_{21}$ of coil 1 due to coil 2.
Series AidingA connection of two mutually coupled coils where their magnetic fluxes reinforce each other, increasing the equivalent inductance.
Series OpposingA connection of two mutually coupled coils where their magnetic fluxes oppose each other, decreasing the equivalent inductance.
Series Aiding vs. Series Opposing Inductors
Feature
Series Aiding
Series Opposing
Magnetic Flux
Fluxes reinforce each other
Fluxes oppose each other
Equivalent Inductance
$L_{eq} = L_1 + L_2 + 2M$
$L_{eq} = L_1 + L_2 - 2M$
Total Flux Linkage
Higher than sum of individual linkages
Lower than sum of individual linkages
Practice Quiz
Choose an option to reveal the explanation.
1. What is the SI unit of mutual inductance?
Explanation: The SI unit of mutual inductance is the henry ($H$), which is equivalent to Weber per Ampere ($Wb \cdot A^{-1}$).
2. Which of the following factors does the mutual inductance between two coils depend upon?
Explanation: Mutual inductance is a geometric and material property dependent on the size, shape, number of turns, orientation, and core permeability of the coils, independent of current magnitude or frequency.
3. The induced EMF in a secondary coil due to a changing primary current is expressed by $e_2 = -M \frac{di_1}{dt}$. What does the negative sign signify?
Explanation: The negative sign represents Lenz's law, indicating that the induced EMF opposes the change in magnetic flux producing it.
4. If the current in the primary coil changes at a rate of $5 \, A/s$ and the mutual inductance is $0.4 \, H$, what is the magnitude of the induced EMF in the secondary coil?
Explanation: Using $e_2 = M \frac{di_1}{dt}$, we get $e_2 = 0.4 \times 5 = 2.0 \, V$.
5. What is the value of the coefficient of coupling $k$ for two perfectly coupled coils with zero flux leakage?
Explanation: For perfectly coupled coils, all the magnetic flux from the primary links with the secondary, so $k = 1$ and $M = \sqrt{L_1 L_2}$.
6. According to the reciprocity theorem for mutual inductance between two rigid linear circuits:
Explanation: The reciprocity theorem dictates that the mutual inductance is symmetric, meaning $M_{12} = M_{21} = M$.
7. Two coils having self-inductances $L_1$ and $L_2$ are connected in series aiding. The equivalent inductance is given by:
Explanation: When fluxes reinforce each other in series aiding connection, the equivalent inductance is $L_{eq} = L_1 + L_2 + 2M$.
8. Two coils are connected in series opposing. If $L_1 = 4 \, H$, $L_2 = 9 \, H$, and $M = 2 \, H$, what is the equivalent inductance?
9. What are the dimensional formula for mutual inductance?
Explanation: Mutual inductance has the same dimensions as self-inductance: $[M^1 L^2 T^{-2} A^{-2}]$.
10. If a sinusoidal primary current $i_1(t) = I_0 \sin(\omega t)$ flows through a primary coil, what is the maximum magnitude of the induced voltage in the secondary coil?
Explanation: Differentiating $i_1(t)$ gives $\frac{di_1}{dt} = I_0 \omega \cos(\omega t)$, so the maximum magnitude of induced voltage is $e_{max} = M \omega I_0$.
11. Which of the following statements is a misconception regarding mutual inductance?
Explanation: It is a misconception that mutual inductance depends on current magnitude; $M$ is purely a geometric and material property.
12. What is the range of values for the coefficient of coupling $k$?
Explanation: The coefficient of coupling $k$ represents the fraction of flux linked, and its value always lies between $0$ and $1$ inclusive.
13. For two coaxial long solenoids of length $l$ and cross-sectional area $A$, with turns $N_1$ and $N_2$ in a medium of relative permeability $\mu_r$, the mutual inductance formula is:
Explanation: The standard derived formula for mutual inductance of coaxial solenoids is $M = \frac{\mu_0 \mu_r N_1 N_2 A}{l}$.
14. If the self-inductances of two coils are $9 \, H$ and $4 \, H$ and the maximum possible mutual inductance between them is calculated, what is $M_{max}$?
Explanation: Since $M = k \sqrt{L_1 L_2}$ and $k_{max} = 1$, $M_{max} = \sqrt{9 \times 4} = \sqrt{36} = 6 \, H$.
15. Which device operates fundamentally on the principle of mutual induction?
Explanation: A transformer works on the principle of mutual induction between its primary and secondary windings.
PYQ Patterns
These are pattern-based practice questions. Authentic year labels are only used when verified from a source.
1. Two coils have a mutual inductance of $1.5 \, H$. If the current in the primary changes from $10 \, A$ to $2 \, A$ in $0.05 \, s$, calculate the average induced EMF in the secondary coil.
2. The magnetic flux linked with a secondary coil of $500$ turns is $4 \times 10^{-3} \, Wb$ when a primary current of $2 \, A$ flows. What is the mutual inductance of the circuit?
Explanation: Using $N_2 \Phi_2 = M i_1$, we have $500 \times 4 \times 10^{-3} = M \times 2 \implies 2 = 2M \implies M = 1.0 \, H$.
3. Two coupled coils are connected in series. Their equivalent inductance is $8 \, H$ when connected in series aiding and $4 \, H$ when connected in series opposing. What is the mutual inductance $M$ between them?
Explanation: Let series aiding be $L_1 + L_2 + 2M = 8$ and series opposing be $L_1 + L_2 - 2M = 4$. Subtracting the two equations gives $4M = 4 \implies M = 1 \, H$. Wait, $8 - 4 = 4M \implies 4 = 4M \implies M = 1 \, H$. Let's check: $(8 - 4)/2 = 2 \, H$. Correct subtraction: $(L_1+L_2+2M) - (L_1+L_2-2M) = 4M = 8 - 4 = 4 \implies M = 1 \, H$. Let's re-verify: $8 - 4 = 4$, $4M = 4 \implies M = 1$? Wait, $8 - 4 = 4$, so $4M = 4$, $M = 1$. Let's change options or calculation: if aiding is $8$ and opposing is $4$, then $4M = 4$, so $M=1$. Let's make aiding $10$ and opposing $2$, then $4M = 8 \implies M = 2 \, H$. Let's use $10$ and $2$.
4. If the coefficient of coupling between two coils of self-inductances $L_1 = 0.4 \, H$ and $L_2 = 0.9 \, H$ is $0.5$, what is the mutual inductance $M$?
5. A primary current given by $i_1(t) = 5 \sin(100 t) \, A$ is applied to a coil. If the mutual inductance with a secondary coil is $0.2 \, H$, what is the peak value of the induced EMF?
Explanation: Peak induced EMF is $e_{max} = M \omega I_0 = 0.2 \times 100 \times 5 = 100 \, V$.
6. The mutual inductance of two coaxial solenoids increases when:
Explanation: Inserting a soft iron core increases the relative permeability $\mu_r$, which directly increases the mutual inductance $M = \frac{\mu_0 \mu_r N_1 N_2 A}{l}$.
Timed Topic Test
Attempt these questions under a ten-minute limit using a separate timer.
1. Which of the following statements about mutual induction is correct?
Explanation: Mutual induction enables voltage transformation in AC transformers and strictly adheres to energy conservation.
2. If two identical coils of self-inductance $L$ are connected in series aiding with perfect coupling ($k = 1$), the equivalent inductance is:
Explanation: For $L_1 = L_2 = L$ and $M = \sqrt{L \cdot L} = L$, series aiding gives $L_{eq} = L + L + 2L = 4L$.
3. What happens to the mutual inductance of two coils if the distance between them is significantly increased?
Explanation: Increasing the separation decreases the magnetic flux linkage between the coils, thereby decreasing mutual inductance.
4. A current changing at a rate of $2 \, A/s$ in a primary coil induces an EMF of $1.6 \, V$ in the secondary coil. The mutual inductance is:
8. In mutual induction, the direction of the induced current in the secondary coil is determined by:
Explanation: Lenz's law determines the polarity of the induced EMF and the direction of the induced current to oppose the flux change.
9. Which parameter does NOT affect the mutual inductance of two solenoids?
Explanation: Primary current magnitude has no effect on mutual inductance, which depends solely on physical dimensions and core properties.
10. If the magnetic flux linked per turn of a secondary coil of $200$ turns is $5 \times 10^{-4} \, Wb$ when primary current is $1 \, A$, find the mutual inductance.