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Back e.m.f.

Edexcel A-level PhysicsElectromagnetic InductionLesson 9 of 12

When a current-carrying coil is place in a magnetic field it rotates due to the motor effect and the area swept out by the coil changes. This means that the magnetic flux linkage changes and an e.m.f. is induced in the coil. According to Lenz's law the induced e.m.f. acts in the opposite direction to the change that caused it. This means it acts to oppose the potential difference across the coil and is called the back e.m.f.

Diagram

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Key terms in this lesson

magnetic flux linkage
The product of the magnetic flux through a coil and the number of turns on the coil, measured in weber.

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