ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 1

UNIT 1

ELECTROMAGNETISM

OBJECTIVES

General Objective : To understand the basic principles of electromagnetism.

Specific Objectives : At the end of the unit you will be able to :

 Explain the relation between current-carrying conductor

and magnetism.

 Appreciate factors that influence magnetic field strength.

 State magnetic quantity characteristics and use their

relevant formulae.

 Describe electromagnetic induction and factors that

influence the value of induced current.
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 2

INPUT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The word magnet comes from THE word ‘magnetic’ (lodestrone/black stone) found in
Magnesia, Turkey. There are two types of magnet i.e. permanent magnets and temporary
magnets (electromagnet). A permanent magnet is a piece of ferromagnetic material (such
as iron and metal) which has properties of attracting other pieces of these materials. A
permanent magnet will position itself in a north direction (north pole) and south direction
(south pole) when freely suspended. When we magnetize magnetic materials (such as
iron), it becomes a temporary magnet (electromagnet). For instance, an electromagnet can
be produced by flowing a current through a solenoid. The solenoid is very important in
electronic theory. An electromagnet provides the basic of many items of electrical
equipment, examples of which include electric bells, relay and telephone receiver.

The distribution of a magnetic field can be investigated. The pattern of magnetic field of
bar a magnet shown in Figure 1.1. The direction of a line of flux is from the north pole
to the south pole on the outside of the magnet. The laws of magnetic attraction and
repulsion can be demonstrated by using two bar magnets. In Fig. 1.2 (a), with unlike
poles adjacent, attraction takes place. In Fig 1.2(b), with similar poles adjacent, repulsion
occurs.

Source: Electrical And Electrical Principles and Technology by John Bird

Figure 1.1 The pattern of magnetic field of bar a magnet.

ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 3

Source: Electrical And Electrical Principles and Technology by John Bird

Figure 1.2 The magnetic attraction and repulsion by using two bar magnets.

Most of the electrical apparatus

that we use everyday use the
electromagnetic principle.
Magnetic effect is produced when
this electric component is
connected to a power supply. For
example, magnetic effect that is
produced by electric motor can
causes fan to rotate.

1.1 CURRENT-CARRYING CONDUCTOR AND ELECTROMAGNETISM

A flow of current through a wire produces a magnetic field in a circular path around the
wire.The direction of magnetic line of flux around the wire is best remembered by the
screw rule or the grip rule.

The screw rule states that if a normal right

and thread screw is screwed along the
conductor in the direction of the current, the
direction of rotation of the screw is in the
direction of the magnetic field.
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 4

The field pattern of a current flowing to a conductor is illustrated in Figures 1.3(a) and
1.3(b)

Source: Fundamental Electrical & Electronic Principles by Christopher R Robertson

Figure 1.3 The field pattern of current flowing.

If two closed current-carrying conductors flow in the same direction, magnetic flux
around that conductor will combine to create attraction between them. If closed current-
carrying conductors flow in opposite direction, these two conductors will repulse each
other. This effect is shown in Figure 1.4.

(a) (b)

Source: Pengajian Kejuruteraan Elektrik dan Elektronik,Cetakan Pertama 2000 oleh Abd. Samad Hanif

Figure 1.4 Two closed current-carrying conductors flow in the same direction (a) flow
and in opposite direction (b).
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 5

1.2.1 MAGNETIC FIELD STRENGTH, H (MAGNETISING FORCE)

Magnetic field strength is defined as magnetomotive force, Fm per metre length of

measurement being ampere-turn per metre.

Fm NI ampere turn / metre

H = =
l l

where

Fm - magnetomotive force
N - number of turns
I - current
l - average length of magnetic circuit

Example 1.1

A current of 500mA is passed through a 600 turn coil wound of a toroid of mean
diameter 10cm. Calculate the magnetic field strength.

Solution to Example 1.1

I = 0.5A
N = 600
d = π x 10 x 10-2m

NI 600 × 0.5
H = ampereturn / metre = = 954 .81 AT/m
l 0.3142

Example 1.2

An iron ring has a cross-sectional area of 400 mm2 and a mean diameter of 25 cm. it is
wound with 500 turns. If the value of relative permeability is 250, find the total flux set
up in the ring. The coil resistance is 474 Ω and the supply voltage is 20 V.

Solution to Example 1.2

ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 6

The condition of the problem are represented in Fig. 1.5

Fig. 1.5

I = V/ R = 240 / 474 = 0.506 A

l = π D = π × (25 × 10-2) = 0.7854 m

NI 500 × 0.506
H= = = 322.13 AT/m
l 0.7854
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 7

Activity 1A

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEFORE YOU CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT

INPUT…!

1.1 Find the magnetic field strength applied to a magnetic circuit of mean length
50 cm when a coil of 400 turns is applied to it carrying a current of 1.2 A.

1.2 A current of 2.5A when flowing through a coil produces an m.m.f. of 675 At.
Calculate the number of turns on the coil.

1.3 A magnetizing force 8000 A/m is applied to a circular magnetic circuit of mean
diameter 30 cm by passing a current through a coil wound on the circuit. If the
coil is uniformly wound around the circuit and has 750 turns, find the current in
the coil.
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 8

Feedback to the Activity 1A

1. 960A/m

2. 270 turns

3. 10.05 A

4. 2547 AT
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 9

INPUT

1.3 MAGNETIC QUANTITY CHARACTERISTICS AND THEIR RELEVANT

FORMULAE

1.3.1 Magnetic Flux and Flux density

Magnetic flux is the amount of magnetic filed produced by a magnetic source. The
symbol for magnetic flux is Φ . The unit for magnetic flux is the weber, Wb.
Magnetic flux density is the amount of flux passing through a defined area that is
perpendicular to the direction of flux:

magnetic flux
Magnetic flux density =
area

Φ
B= Tesla
A

The symbol for magnetic flux density is B. The unit of magnetic flux density is the tesla,
T, and the unit for area A is m2 where 1 T = 1 Wb/m.

Example 1.3

A magnetic pole face has rectangular section having dimensions 200mm by 100mm. If
the total flux emerging from the the pole is 150µ Wb, calculate the flux density.

Solution to Example 1.3

Magnetic flux, Φ = 150 µ Wb = 150 x 10-6 Wb

Cross sectional area, A = 200mm x 100mm = 20 000 x 10-6m2

Φ 150 × 10 −6
Flux density, B = =
A 20000 × 10 −6

= 7.5 mT
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 10

1.3.2 Permeability

For air, or any other non-magnetic medium, the ratio of magnetic flux density to
B
magnetic field strength is constant , i.e. = a constant. This constant is called the
H
permeability of free space and is equal to 4π x 10-7 H/m. For air and any other non-
magnetic medium, the ratio

B
= µ0
H

For all media other than free space

B
= µ0 µr
H

where µ r is the relative permeability and is defined as

flux density in material

µr =
flux density in vacuum

µ r varies with the type of magnetic material. From its definition, µ r for a vacuum is 1.
µ0 µr is called the absolute permeability. The approximate range of values of relative
permeability µ r for some common magnetic materials are :

Cast iron µ r = 100 – 250

Mild steel µ r = 200 – 800
Cast steel µ r = 300 – 900

Example 1.4

A flux density of 1.2 T is produced in a piece of cast steel by a magnetizing force of 1250
A/m. Find the relative permeability of the steel under these conditions.

Solution to Example 1.4

B = µ0 µr H

B 1.2
µr = = = 764
µ0 H (4π ×10 −2 )(1250 )
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 11

1.3.4 Reluctance

Reluctance,S is the magnetic resistance of a magnetic circuit to presence of magnetic

flux.

Fm Hl l 1
Reluctance, S = = = =
Φ BA ( B / H ) A µ 0 µ r A

The unit for reluctance is 1/H or H-1 or A/Wb

Ferromagnetic materials have a low reluctance and can be used as magnetic screens to
prevent magnetic fields affecting materials within the screen.

Example 1.5

Determine the reluctance of a piece of mumetal of length 150mm when the relative
permeability is 4 000. Find also the absolute permeability of the mumetal.

Solution to Example 1.5

1
Reluctance, S=
µ0 µr A

150 ×10 −3
=
( 4π ×10 −7 )( 4000 )(1800 ×10 −6 )

= 16 580 H-1

Absolute permeability, µ = µ0 µr
= ( 4π ×10 −7 )( 4000 )
= 5.027 x 10-3 H/m

1.4 ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION

ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 12

When a conductor is moved across a magnetic field so as to cut through the flux, an
electromagnetic force (e.m.f.) is produced in the conductor. This effect is known as
electromagnetic induction. The effect of electromagnetic induction will cause induced
current.

Two laws of electromagnetic induction

i. Faraday’s law

It is a relative movement of the magnetic flux and the conductor then causes an e.m.f. and
thus the current to be induced in the conductor. Induced e.m.f. on the conductor could be
produced by two methods i.e. flux cuts conductor or conductor cuts flux.

a. Flux cuts conductor

When the magnet is moved towards the coil ( Fig 1.5 ), a deflection is noted on the
galvanometer showing that a current has been produced in the coil.

Source: Pengajian Kejuruteraan Elektrik dan Elektronik, Cetakan Pertama 2000 oleh Mohd. Isa bin Idris

Figure 1.5 Flux cuts conductor

b. Conductor cuts flux

When the conductor is moved through a magnetic field (Fig. 1.6 ). An e.m.f. is induced in
the conductor and thus a source of e.m.f. is created between the ends of the conductor.
(This is the simple concept of AC generator)
This induced electromagnetic field is given by E = Blv volts

where

B = flux density, T
l = length of the conductor in the magnetic field, m
v = conductor velocity, m/s
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 13

If the conductor moves at the angle θ° to the magnetic field, then

E = Blv sinθ° volts

Source: Pengajian Kejuruteraan Elektrik dan Elektronik, Cetakan Pertama 2000 oleh Mohd. Isa bin Idris

Figure 1.6 Conductor cuts flux

Example 1.6

A conductor 300mm long moves at a uniform speed of 4m/s at right-angles to a uniform

magnetic field of flux density 1.25T. Determine the current flowing in the conductor
when

(a) its ends are open-circuited

(b) its ends are connected to a load of 20 Ω resistance.

Solution To Example 1.6

When a conductor moves in a magnetic field it will have an e.m.f. induced in it but this
e.m.f. can only produce a current if there is a closed circuit. Induced e.m.f.

E = Blv =(1.25)(300/1000)(4)

(a) If the ends of the conductor are open circuited no current will flow even though
1.5 V has been induced.

(b) From Ohm’s law

E 1.5
I = = 75 mA
R 20
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 14

ii. Lenz’z Law

The direction of an induced e.m.f. is always such that it tends to set up a current opposing
the motion or the change of flux responsible for inducing that e.m.f.. This effect is shown
in Fig. 1.7

Source: Pengajian Kejuruteraan Elektrik dan Elektronik, Cetakan Pertama 2000 oleh Mohd. Isa bin Idris

Figure 1.7 Bar magnet move in and move out from a solenoid
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 15

Activity 1B

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEFORE YOU CONTINUE WITH THE

NEXT INPUT…!

1.4 The maximum working flux density of a lifting electromagnet is 1.8 T and the
effective area of a pole face is circular in cross-section. If the total magnetic flux
produced is 353 mWb, determine the radius of the pole.

1.5 Determine the magnetic field strength and the m.m.f. required to produce a flux
density of 0.25T in an air gap of length 12mm.

1.6 A coil of 300 turns is wound uniformly on a ring of non-magnetic material. The
ring has a mean circumference of 40 cm and a uniform cross-sectional area of
4cm2. If the current in the coil is 5 A, calculate (a) the magnetic field strength, (b)
the flux density and (c) the total magnetic flux in the ring.

1.7 A mild steel ring has a radius of 50mm and a cross-sectional area of 400mm2. A
current of 0.5 A flows in a coil wound uniformly around the ring and the flux
produced is 0.1 mWb. If the relative permeability at this value of current is 200,
find

(a) the reluctance of the mild steel

(b) the number of turns on the coil

1.8 At what velocity must a conductor 75mm long cut a magnetic flux of density 0.6T if
an e.mf. of 9V is to be included in it? Assume the conductor, the field and the
direction of motion are mutually perpendicular.

1.9 A conductor moves with a velocity of 15m/s at an angle (a) 90° (b) 60°and (c) 30°
to a magnetic field produced between two square-faced poles of side length 2cm.
If the flux leaving a pole face is 5µ Wb, find the magnitude of the induced e.m.f.
in each case.

1.10 A flux density of 1.2wb/m2 is required in the 2 mm air gap of an electromagnet

having an iron path 1 m long. Calculate the m.m.f. required, assuming a relative
permeability of iron as 1500. Neglect leakage.
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 16

Feedback to the activity 1B

1.4 0.1961 m

1.5 2378 A

1.6 (a) 3750 A/m (b) 4.712mT (c) 1.885 µ Wb

1.7 (a) S= 3.125 x 106/H (b) N = 625 turns

1.8 200 m/s

1.9 (a) 3.75 mV

(b) 3.25 mV
(c) 1.875 mV

1.10 2547 AT
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 17

SELF-ASSESSMENT 1

You are approaching success. Try all the questions in this self-assessment section
and check your answers with those given in the Feedback on Self-Assessment 1 given
on the next page. If you face any problems, discuss it with your lecturer. Good luck.

Question 1-1

(a) What is the flux density in a magnetic field of cross-sectional area 20 cm2
having a flux of 3mWb.

(b) Determine the total flux emerging from a magnetic pole face having
dimensions 5 cm by 6 cm, if the flux density is 0.9 T.

(c) A solenoid 200 cm long is wound with 500 turns of wire. Find the current
required to establish a magnetizing force of 2500 A/m inside the solenoid.

(d) Find the magnetic field strength and the magnetomotive force needed to
produce a flux density of 0.33 T in an air-gap of length 15mm.

Question 1-2

(a) An air-gap between two pole pieces is 20mm in length and the area of the flux
path across the gap is 5cm2. If the flux required in the air-gap is 0.75 mWb
find the m.m.f. necessary.

(b) Find the relative permeability of a material if the absolute permeability is

4.084x10-4 H/m.

(c) Part of magnetic circuit is made from steel of length 120mm, cross sectional
area 15cm2 and relative permeability 800. Calculate (i) the reluctance (ii) the
relative permeability of the steel.

(d) A conductor of length 15cm is moved at 750mm/s at right-angles to a uniform

flux density of 1.2 T. Determine the e.m.f induced in the conductor.
ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 18

(e) Find the speed that a conductor of length 120mm must be moved at right angles to
a magnetic field of flux density 0.6 T to induce in it an e.m.f of
1.8 V.

(f) A 25 cm long conductor moves at a uniform speed of 8 m/s through a uniform

magnetic field of flux density 1.2T. Determine the current flowing in the
conductor when (i) its ends are open-circuited (ii) its ends are connected to a
load of 15 ohms resistance.

(g) A conductor of length 0.5 m situated in and at right angles to a uniform magnetic
field of flux density 1 wb/m2 moves with a velocity of 40 m/s. Calculate the
e.m.f induced in the conductor. What will be the e.m.f induced if the
conductor moves at an angle 60º to the field.

(h) A circular iron ring has a mean circumference of 1.5 m and cross-sectional area of
0.01 m2. A saw cut of 4 mm wide is made in the ring. Calculate the
magnetizing current required to produce a flux of 0.8 mwb in the gap if the
ring is wound with a coil of 175 turns. Assume relative permeability of iron as
400 and leakage factor 1.25.

(i) An iron ring has a mean diameter of 15 cm, a cross-sectional area of 20 cm 2 and a
radial gap of 0.5 mm cut in it. It is uniformly wound with 1500 turns of
insulated wire and a magnetising current of 1 A produces a flux of 1 mwb.
Neglecting the effect of magnetic leakage and fringing, calculate:

(i) reluctance of magnetic circuit.

(ii) relative permeability of iron.
 ELECTROMAGNETISM E2063/Unit 1/ 19

FEEDBACK TO SELF-ASSESSMENT 1

Have you tried the questions????? If “YES”, check your answers now.

Answer of Question 1-1

(a) 1.57 T
(b) 2.7mWb
(c) 1A
(d) (i) 262 600 A/m (ii)3939 A

Answer of Question 1-2

a) 2370A
b) 325
(c) (i) 79580/H (ii) 1 mH/m
(d) 0.135V
(e) 25m/s
(f) (i) 0 (ii) 0.16 A
(g) (i) 20 V (ii) 17.32 V
(h) 3.16 A
(i) (i) 15 × 105 AT/wb (ii) 144 CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
…..May success be with
you always….