FAD1022 — Inductance & Transformers — Formula Sheet

A comprehensive formula sheet extracted from the Quick Quiz on mutual inductance, self-inductance, and transformer principles.


1. Mutual Inductance

1.1 Definition from Flux Linkage

$$M_{21} = \frac{N_2 \phi_2}{i_1}$$

Symbol Meaning Unit
$M_{21}$ Mutual inductance of coil 2 with respect to coil 1 Henry (H)
$N_2$ Number of turns in coil 2 dimensionless
$\phi_2$ Magnetic flux through each turn of coil 2 due to current in coil 1 Weber (Wb)
$i_1$ Current flowing in coil 1 Ampere (A)

1.2 Induced EMF (Faraday's Law)

$$\varepsilon_2 = -M \frac{dI_1}{dt}$$

For average (finite change): $$|\varepsilon| = M \left|\frac{\Delta I}{\Delta t}\right|$$

Symbol Meaning Unit
$\varepsilon$ Induced electromotive force (emf) Volt (V)
$M$ Mutual inductance Henry (H)
$\Delta I$ Change in current Ampere (A)
$\Delta t$ Time interval Second (s)

1.3 Reciprocity Theorem

$$\frac{\varepsilon_2}{\Delta i_1} = \frac{\varepsilon_1}{\Delta i_2}$$

Or equivalently: $$\varepsilon_1 = \varepsilon_2 \frac{\Delta i_2}{\Delta i_1}$$

Note: $M_{12} = M_{21} = M$. Mutual inductance is symmetric between the two coils.

1.4 Factors Affecting Mutual Inductance

$M$ depends only on:

  • Number of turns ($N_1$, $N_2$)
  • Cross-sectional area ($A$)
  • Length of solenoids ($l$)
  • Separation distance ($d$)
  • Core material (permeability $\mu$)

$M$ does NOT depend on:

  • The magnitude of current flowing through either coil

Decreasing separation distance $d$ → increases $M$ (greater flux linkage).


2. Self-Inductance

2.1 Self-Induced EMF

$$|\varepsilon| = L \left|\frac{dI}{dt}\right|$$

Symbol Meaning Unit
$L$ Self-inductance Henry (H)
$dI/dt$ Rate of change of current A/s
$\varepsilon$ Self-induced (back) emf Volt (V)

The induced emf magnitude depends on the rate of change of current, not on the current itself. A rapidly increasing current produces the maximum emf.

2.2 Inductor Behaviour in DC RL Circuits

Time Behaviour Equivalent
$t = 0$ Opposes current flow with back emf equal to applied voltage Open circuit
$t \to \infty$ $dI/dt \to 0$, back emf vanishes Short circuit / connecting wire

3. Transformers (Ideal)

3.1 Turns Ratio and Voltage

$$\frac{V_s}{V_p} = \frac{N_s}{N_p}$$

3.2 Turns Ratio and Current

$$\frac{I_s}{I_p} = \frac{N_p}{N_s}$$

Symbol Meaning Unit
$V_p$, $V_s$ Primary and secondary voltage Volt (V)
$I_p$, $I_s$ Primary and secondary current Ampere (A)
$N_p$, $N_s$ Number of turns in primary and secondary coils dimensionless

Step-up transformer: $N_s > N_p$ → $V_s > V_p$ and $I_s < I_p$ Step-down transformer: $N_s < N_p$ → $V_s < V_p$ and $I_s > I_p$

3.3 Transformer Efficiency

$$\eta = \frac{P_{\text{out}}}{P_{\text{in}}}$$

$$P_{\text{loss}} = P_{\text{in}} - P_{\text{out}}$$

Symbol Meaning Unit
$\eta$ Efficiency dimensionless (or %)
$P_{\text{out}}$ Output power Watt (W)
$P_{\text{in}}$ Input power Watt (W)
$P_{\text{loss}}$ Power lost as heat Watt (W)

4. Transformer Losses

4.1 Iron Loss (Core Loss)

$$P_{\text{iron}} = P_{\text{hysteresis}} + P_{\text{eddy}}$$

Hysteresis Loss: Energy dissipated during cyclic magnetization reversal of the core.

Eddy Current Loss: $I^2R$ heating from induced circulating currents within the conducting iron core due to the time-varying magnetic field.

Iron losses occur in the iron core, not in the windings.

4.2 Copper Loss

$$P_{\text{copper}} = I_p^2 R_p + I_s^2 R_s$$

Copper losses occur in the primary and secondary windings due to their electrical resistance.


5. Key Conceptual Relationships

Concept Relationship
Mutual inductance vs current $M$ is independent of current magnitude
Mutual inductance vs distance $M$ increases as separation distance decreases
Self-induced emf maximization Maximum when $|dI/dt|$ is largest (rapidly changing current)
Energy conservation in ideal transformer $P_{\text{in}} = P_{\text{out}}$

6. Summary Table of All Symbols

Symbol Quantity SI Unit
$M$ Mutual inductance H
$L$ Self-inductance H
$N$ Number of turns
$\phi$ Magnetic flux Wb
$\varepsilon$ / $\mathcal{E}$ Induced emf V
$I$ / $i$ Current A
$V$ / $v$ Voltage V
$P$ Power W
$\eta$ Efficiency — / %
$R$ Resistance $\Omega$
$t$ / $\Delta t$ Time / time interval s
$\mu$ Permeability of core material H/m