There is a touch of magic about electromagnetic induction. This strikes me every time I demonstrate how moving a wire through a magnetic field induces a current in that wire (Figure 1). There is no battery connected to the wire, just an ammeter. Yet a current is produced. I can even keep the wire still and move a magnet back and forth and the same thing happens. It gives me a kick every time.
Even the word ‘induce’ carries an interesting tone — if we induce people to do something there is the implication that we have done something indirect (underhand?), by circuitous means. It’s as if there is something slightly devious about electromagnetic induction.
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