Faraday's Law - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Discover how magnets can create electricity!
What is Faraday's Law?

Faraday's Law explains how we can create electricity using magnets! It's the scientific principle that shows us how a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current in a wire. This discovery by Michael Faraday in 1831 changed the world!
Think of it this way: when you move a magnet near a coil of wire, you create electricity! This process is called electromagnetic induction. Without Faraday's discovery, we wouldn't have electricity in our homes, schools, or cities!
Key Definition
Faraday's Law: The induced electromotive force (EMF) in any closed circuit equals the rate of change of the magnetic flux through the circuit.
How Electromagnetic Induction Works

Faraday's Law works because of the relationship between magnets and electricity. Here are the key concepts:
Magnetic Flux
The amount of magnetic field passing through a loop or coil
Changing Flux
When flux changes (by moving magnet or coil), electricity is produced
Induced EMF
Electromotive force (voltage) is created in the wire
Electric Current
If circuit is closed, current flows through the wire
Lenz's Law
The induced current creates a magnetic field that opposes the change
The faster you change the magnetic field (by moving the magnet quickly), the more electricity you produce! This is why generators spin magnets very fast to create the electricity we use every day.
Lenz's Law
Lenz's Law tells us that the electricity created always works against whatever caused it. If you push a magnet into a coil, the electricity will create a magnetic field that pushes back!
Real-World Applications

Faraday's Law powers our modern world! Here's where you'll find electromagnetic induction at work:
Electric Generators
Convert mechanical energy to electrical energy in power plants
Transformers
Change voltage levels for safe electricity distribution
Induction Cookers
Heat pots directly using magnetic fields without flames
Electric Motors
Convert electricity to motion (reverse of generators)
Wind Turbines
Use wind to spin magnets and generate clean electricity
Every time you turn on a light, charge your phone, or cook dinner, you're using technology based on Faraday's Law! Even wireless phone chargers work using electromagnetic induction.
Faraday's Law Quiz
Test your knowledge of electromagnetic induction with this quiz! Answer all 5 questions to see how much you've learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about Faraday's Law:
Science Trivia
Discover some amazing facts about electromagnetic induction!
Faraday's Humble Beginnings
Michael Faraday had very little formal education and was mostly self-taught. He began as a bookbinder's apprentice and taught himself science by reading the books he was binding!
Powering Our World
Over 80% of the world's electricity is generated using Faraday's principle of electromagnetic induction. Every time you turn on a light, you're using Faraday's discovery!
Induction in Space
Astronauts use electromagnetic induction to dock spacecraft! Special systems create magnetic fields that gently pull spacecraft together without any physical contact.
Nature's Induction
Some fish like electric eels use a form of electromagnetic induction to navigate and communicate underwater. They create electric fields that help them "see" in murky water!