Modelling electromagnetic induction via accelerated electron motion

The two forms of electromagnetic induction are generally referred to as motional and transformer induction, and although these phenomena have been observed and discussed for well over 150 years, certain aspects remain controversial in the scientific literature. It is well-known that an electromotive force (emf) is induced in a loop of wire encircling a long solenoid carrying alternating current. This is true however even in a region in which there is a negligibly small magnetic or electric field. Although the flux linking concept can explain the induced emf, more recent explanations utilise the concept of vector potential as the causal explanation of induction. In this present investigation, we propose that Weber’s force, based on inter-particle forces, provides a more fundamental explanation. The induced emf is measured directly across a closely wound, 1000 turn narrow coil encircling a long solenoid carrying alternating current. Weber’s force formula has been adapted to the case of transformer induction by treating the solenoid as a stack of current loops and applying the principle of superposition. Analytical calculation is also included for the application of Faraday’s law. Close agreement with experimentally measured values is demonstrated in all cases for low-frequency induction up to around 5 kHz.