An Introduction

In 1831, Michael Faraday explained the theory of

electromagnetic induction scientifically. The
term inductance is, the capacity of the
conductor to oppose the current flowing
through it and induces emf. From Faraday’s laws
of induction, an electromotive force (EMF) or
voltage is induced in the conductor due to the
change in the magnetic field through the circuit.
This process is stated as electromagnetic
induction. The induced voltage opposes the
rate of change of current. This is known as
Lenz’s law and the induced voltage is called
back EMF. Inductance is divided into two types.
They are, Self-inductance and mutual
inductance. This article is all about the mutual
inductance of two coils or conductors.

We know that electric currents can be induced

in closed coils when subjected to varying
magnetic fields. This phenomenon of inducing
current or emf in a coil by changing magnetic
fields is called the electromagnetic induction or
EMI.

We also know that if a current flows through any

coil, whether the current is increasing, or
decreasing, the coil opposes the change in the
current’s strength passing through it. This
means supplying varying current is necessary.

What Is Mutual Inductance?

When two coils are brought in proximity to each
other, the magnetic field in one of the coils
tends to link with the other. This further leads to
the generation of voltage in the second coil.
This property of a coil which affects or changes
the current and voltage in a secondary coil is
called mutual inductance.

Mutual Inductance
Mutual induction describes the phenomenon
where a changing magnetic field from one coil
induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a
nearby coil. This occurs because the magnetic
field produced by the first coil's changing
current interacts with the second coil's
windings, leading to an induced voltage.
About the Concept of Mutual
Inductance:
To understand this concept, let us take two coils
P and S (Distinct coils) and keep them
side-by-side. We connect one coil to the switch,
and the other to a galvanometer. As soon as a
varying current is generated in coil P,
automatically current induces in the coil S. P
coil is known as the primary coil, and the S coil
in which we see the deflection is the secondary
coil.

This means increasing the current; the

magnetic field lines increase because of which
the flux at the secondary coil increases. When
this flux increases, an induced EMF is generated
in the coil because of which an induced current
starts flowing in it. Therefore, the galvanometer
shows a deflection. To find the direction of the
magnetic field lines, we curl our fingers of our
right hand around the wire, the direction in
which the thumb points, is the direction of the
magnetic field. We can see that the magnetic
field lines are in the direction of the current. If
these lines change (because of the changing
current), the flux in the secondary coil changes
because of which an induced emf and the
induced current generates in it.
Here's a more detailed explanation:

Two Coils:
Imagine two coils of wire placed near each
other.

Changing Current:
When a current is passed through the first coil,
it creates a magnetic field around it. If this
current changes over time, the magnetic field
also changes.

Induced EMF:
The changing magnetic field from the first coil
induces a voltage in the second coil.
Mutual Inductance Derivation:

We know that on increasing the current in the

primary coil, the flux in the secondary coil
increases.
I.e., (ф2)T α I

On removing the sign of proportionality

constant, we get, (ф2)T = MI Where M is the
constant of proportionality and is called the
coefficient of mutual induction or mutual
inductance of two coils.
The unit of mutual inductance is: M = (ф2)T /I =
WeberAmpere = Volt−secAmpere = Henry ∴ The
unit of M is Henry. If I = 1, (ф2)T = M x 1 M = (ф2)T

Thus the coefficient of mutual inductance of

two coils is equal to the amount of flux that
generates in one coil because of the current
flow in the primary coil. M doesn’t depend on
(ф2)T, and I because it is a constant term.

It depends upon the following factors:

1.​Geometry (shape) of the coils,

2.​Their separation (or the radius of the coils),

 3.​The orientation (coils kept parallel or
inclined at some angle),

4.​The medium in which we keep these coils.

We know that an EMF is induced in the

secondary coil. Now we will apply Faraday’s law
here: e2 = - d(ф2)T/dt = - d(MI1)/dt (Its because
the flux of S coil, i.e., (ф2)T depends on the
current (I1) in the P coil)
e2 = - M dI1/dt If dI1/dt = 1,
then M = - e2
EMF in the secondary coil generates only when
there is a change in the current I1.
∴The coefficient of mutual inductance of two
coils is equal to the induced emf in the S coil
when the rate of change of current in the P coil
is unity.

Coefficient of Mutual Inductance:

The strength of this induced voltage depends
on the mutual inductance between the two
coils, which is a measure of how effectively one
coil can induce a voltage in the other.

Key Applications:
Mutual induction is the underlying principle
behind transformers and other electrical
devices that utilize inductive coupling, which is
essential for power transmission and signal
transfer.

Changing I1 produces changing magnetic flux

in coil 2.

In the first coil of N1 turns, when a current I1

passes through it, magnetic field B is produced.
As the two coils are closer to each other, a few
magnetic field lines will also pass through coil 2.

If we vary the current with respect to time, then

there will be an induced emf in coil 2.

The induced emf in coil 2 is directly

proportional to the current that passes through
coil 1.

The constant of proportionality is called mutual

inductance. It can be written as

The SI unit of inductance is henry (H)

In a similar manner, the current in coil 2, I2, can
produce an induced emf in coil 1 when I2 varies
with respect to time. Then,

This constant of proportionality is another

mutual inductance.

Reciprocity Theorem
Experiments and calculations that combine
Ampere’s law and Biot-Savart’s law confirm that
the two constants, M21 and M12, are equal in the
absence of material medium between the two
coils.

M12 = M21 … (5)

This property is called reciprocity, and by using

the reciprocity theorem, we can simply write the
mutual inductance between two coils as,

EMF of Mutual Inductance

Considering the mutual inductance between
the two coils we just discussed, we defined
mutual inductance M21 of coil 2 with respect to 1
as,

If I1 changes with time,

According to Faraday’s law of induction,

Thus, induced emf in coil 2 due to the current in

coil 1 is given by

Similarly, induced emf in coil 1 due to changing

current in coil 2 can be given as,

From experiments (equation (5),

M21 = M12 = M

Therefore,

The coefficient of mutual induction – mutual

inductance depends only on the geometrical
factor of the two coils, such as the number of
turns and radii of two coils and on the
properties of a material medium, such as the
magnetic permeability of the medium
surrounding the coils.

Also Read: Electromagnetic Induction

How to Find Mutual Inductance?
Steps to find mutual inductance (M).

(i) Assume current in one of the coils (say I1 in

coil 1)

(ii) Deduce the expression for the magnetic field

in the neighbouring coil (2) due to I1.

(iii) Write the flux linkage equation.

(iv) Obtain the magnetic flux linked,

(v) Compare the above two equations and find

mutual inductance, M.

Applications of Mutual Inductance

The principle of mutual inductance is followed

in various electronic devices. Some of them are
as follows:
Motors
Mutual Inductance in Motors
Note the inductors (Lf and La) in the dc motor
circuit that are mutually inducted.

Generators
The induced EMG in a generator by
electromagnetic induction is shown below. The
direction of induced emf is given by Lenz law.

When an electrical component (coil) is

interacting or being influenced by the magnetic
field in the neighbouring component, mutual
inductance arises. The current flowing in one
coil induces an emf in the neighbouring coil.

The formula of two coils is given as

M = μ0N1N2Al

Where,

μ0= permeability of free space = 4π10-²

μ = permeability of the soft iron core
N1= turns of coil 1
N2= turns of coil 2
A= cross-sectional area in m2
L = length of the coil in meters
The unit of mutual inductance is kg.m².s-².A-²

The amount of inductance produces the

voltage of one volt due to the rate of change of
current of 1 Ampere/second.Joseph Henry, a
scientist from the United States, coined the
term to describe the phenomenon of two coils.

Elaboration:
The principle of mutual inductance is followed
in various electronic devices. Some of them are
as follows:

Transformers:
Transformers are a primary application, using
mutual inductance to step up or step down
voltage levels in AC circuits.

Generators:
Generators use mutual inductance to convert
mechanical energy into electrical energy by
inducing a voltage in a coil as it rotates within a
magnetic field.
Electric Motors:
Motors also rely on mutual inductance, where
the interaction between a changing current in
one coil and a magnetic field in another coil
produces force that rotates the motor shaft.

Digital Signal Processing:

Mutual inductance is utilized in digital signal
processing techniques, where the
counter-winding of two coils can be used to
lower mutual inductance, according to
Unacademy.

Cloth Dryers:
Some cloth dryers use coils wound in opposite
directions to balance out their magnetic fields
and reduce mutual inductance, according to
Unacademy.
Other Applications:
Mutual inductance is also used in pacemakers,
metal detectors, induction cooking, and
inductive transducers like LVDT sensors.

Resonant transformer:
Main article: Resonant inductive coupling

When a capacitor is connected across one

winding of a transformer, making the winding a
tuned circuit (resonant circuit) it is called a
single-tuned transformer.

When a capacitor is connected across each

winding, it is called a double tuned transformer.
These resonant transformers can store
oscillating electrical energy similar to a
resonant circuit and thus function as a
bandpass filter, allowing frequencies near their
resonant frequency to pass from the primary to
secondary winding, but blocking other
frequencies.

The amount of mutual inductance between the

two windings, together with the Q factor of the
circuit, determine the shape of the frequency
response curve. The advantage of the double
tuned transformer is that it can have a wider
bandwidth than a simple tuned circuit. The
coupling of double-tuned circuits is described
as loose-, critical-, or over-coupled depending
on the value of the coupling coefficient k
When two tuned circuits are loosely coupled
through mutual inductance, the bandwidth is
narrow. As the amount of mutual inductance
increases, the bandwidth continues to grow.
When the mutual inductance is increased
beyond the critical coupling, the peak in the
frequency response curve splits into two peaks,
and as the coupling is increased the two peaks
move further apart. This is known as
overcoupling.

Stongly-coupled self-resonant coils can be used

for wireless power transfer between devices in
the mid range distances (up to two metres).[34]
Strong coupling is required for a high
percentage of power transferred, which results
in peak splitting of the frequency response.

Mutual inductance of two wire loops

This is the generalized case of the paradigmatic
two-loop cylindrical coil carrying a uniform low
frequency current; the loops are independent
closed circuits that can have different lengths,
any orientation in space, and carry different
currents. Nonetheless, the error terms, which
are not included in the integral are only small if
the geometries of the loops are mostly smooth
and convex: They must not have too many kinks,
sharp corners, coils, crossovers, parallel
segments, concave cavities, or other
topologically "close" deformations. A necessary
predicate for the reduction of the 3-dimensional
manifold integration formula to a double curve
integral is that the current paths be filamentary
circuits, i.e. thin wires where the radius of the
wire is negligible compared to its length.

Mechanism Of Mutual Induction:

Mutual induction, also known as mutual

inductance, is the phenomenon where a
changing current in one coil induces an
electromotive force (EMF) in a nearby coil. This
occurs because the magnetic field created by
the first coil's changing current interacts with
the second coil, leading to a change in
magnetic flux and thus an induced EMF.
Here's a more detailed explanation of the
mechanism:
1. Changing Current and Magnetic
Field:
When current flows through a coil, it creates a
magnetic field around it. If the current changes
(e.g., increases or decreases), the magnetic field
also changes accordingly.

2. Magnetic Flux Interaction:

If a second coil is placed near the first coil, the
changing magnetic field from the first coil will
link with the second coil, creating a change in
magnetic flux through the second coil.

3. Induced EMF:
According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic
induction, a changing magnetic flux induces an
EMF in a coil. This induced EMF in the second
coil is proportional to the rate of change of
magnetic flux and the number of turns in the
second coil.
4. Mutual Inductance:
The strength of the induced EMF in the second
coil depends on the mutual inductance
between the two coils, a property that
characterizes how effectively the magnetic field
of one coil interacts with the other.

5. Example:
A classic example is a transformer, where
alternating current (AC) in the primary coil
creates a changing magnetic field, which then
induces an EMF in the secondary coil,
effectively transferring electrical energy.
In essence, mutual induction is a fundamental
principle that allows for the transfer of energy
between electrical circuits through the
intermediary of a changing magnetic field.

Examples of Mutual inductance

An electric clothes dryer's heating coils can be
counter-wound such that their magnetic fields
cancel out, considerably lowering mutual
inductance with the dryer's housing.
The essential functioning principle of
transformers, motors, generators, etc.
All the electric components deal with a
magnetic field.

Significance of Mutual Induction

As discussed in previous examples the mutual
induction is essential to all the electric
equipment that uses a magnetic field so it is
very significant in the modern world.
Electric motors also use their principal and are
a very important piece of equipment.
A transformer's mutual inductance, also known
as the coefficient of coupling, is a measurement
of the efficiency with which power is transmitted
from the primary to secondary coils.
When two coils are placed close together, the
magnetic field in one of them tends to connect
with the magnetic field in the other. The second
coil then generates a voltage as a result of this.
Mutual inductance is the property of a coil that
influences or modifies the current and voltage
in a secondary coil.
When two coils are placed close together, the
magnetic field in one of them tends to connect
with the magnetic field in the other. The second
coil then generates a voltage as a result of this.
Coupling Coefficient
Generally, the amount of inductive coupling
that exists between the two coils is expressed as
a fractional number between 0 and 1 instead of
a percentage (%) value, where 0 indicates zero
or no inductive coupling, and 1 indicating full or
maximum inductive coupling.
In other words, if k = 1 the two coils are perfectly
coupled, if k > 0.5 the two coils are said to be
tightly coupled and if k < 0.5 the two coils are
said to be loosely coupled. Then the equation
above which assumes a perfect coupling can be
modified to take into account this coefficient of
coupling, k and is given as:

Coupling Factor Between Coils

When the coefficient of coupling, k is equal to 1,
(unity) such that all the lines of flux of one coil
cuts all of the turns of the second coil, that is
the two coils are tightly coupled together, the
resulting mutual inductance will be equal to the
geometric mean of the two individual
inductances of the coils.
Also when the inductances of the two coils are
the same and equal, L1 is equal to L2, the mutual
inductance that exists between the two coils will
equal the value of one single coil as the square
root of two equal values is the same as one
single value as shown.

Conclusion

This introduction to mutual inductance gives us

an understanding of what it is and how it is
used around us.

Mutual induction is simply the generation of an

induced EMF in a coil as a result of current
flowing in an adjacent coil. The measure of the
EMF induced between these two coils is mutual
inductance.

The factors affecting mutual inductance vary

with the number of turns in the coils, the size
and shape of the coils, and the distance or the
medium between the two coils. The examples of
mutual inductance are found in many
applications in our daily lives, from
transformers and electric generators to the
metal detectors used in airports.
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★ https://byjus.com/jee/mutual-inductance/

★
https://www.vedantu.com/jee-main/physics-mutual-ind
uctance

★ https://unacademy.com

★https://unacademy.com/content/neet-ug/study-material
/physics/what-is-mutual-inductance/

★https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/mutual-inductance-defi
nition-formula-significance-examples/