Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Faraday's Law of induction states that a change in the magnetic field through a loop of wire induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the wire. This EMF leads to the generation of an electric current in the wire.
Lenz's Law states that the direction of an induced current is always such that it opposes the change producing it. It can be thought of as nature's way of saying "what goes around, comes around."
Magnetic flux: Magnetic flux refers to the measure of how much magnetic field passes through a given area. It depends on both the strength and orientation of the magnetic field lines relative to the area.
EMF is not actually a force but rather a voltage or potential difference generated by any source such as batteries or generators. In Faraday's Law, EMF is induced due to changes in magnetic fields.