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Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electrical potential difference (or voltage) across a conductor situated in a changing magnetic field. Michael Faraday was the first to describe this phenomenon mathematically: he found that the electromotive force (EMF) produced along a closed path is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux through any surface bounded by that path. In practice, this means that an electrical current will flow in any closed conductor, when the magnetic flux through a surface bounded by the conductor changes. This applies whether the field itself changes in strength or the conductor is moved through it. Electromagnetic induction underlies the operation of generators, induction motors, transformers and most other electrical machines.

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