Physics Wallah

Mutual Induction

Electromagnetic Induction of Class 12

MUTUAL INDUCTION

The appearance of an induced emf in one circuit due to changes in the magnetic field produced by a nearby circuit is called mutual induction.

The flux linkage through coil 1 due to current I2 in coil 2  may be written as

Φ12 = M12I2

where the constant of proportionality M12 is called the mutual inductance of the coil 1 with respect to coil 2. Similarly the flux linkage through coil 2 due to current I1  in coil 1 may be written as 

Φ21 = M21 I1

The mutual inductance of two circuits depends on their sizes, their shapes, and their relative positions. Intuitively one would expect the mutual inductance to be greater when the coils are near to each other and oriented so that the maximum amount of flux from the coil intercepts the other. The SI unit of mutual inductance is henry (H).

There is one remarkable property of mutual inductance, i.e.

M12 = M21 = M(4.13)

This is also called the reciprocity theorem

The emf induced in coil 1 due to changes in I2 takes the form

ε12 = -M dI2/dt

Example: 4.8

Two concentric coplanar circular loops 1 and 2 are shown in the Fig 4.19. The radii of the loops are r and R. Current I flows in the loop 1. Find the magnetic flux Φ2 through the loop 2  if r << R 

  induction

Solution

The direct calculation of the flux Φ2 is very complicated because the magnetic field is not uniform over the big loop 2. However, the application of the reciprocity theorem greatly simplifies the solution of the problem

Let us pass the same current I through the loop 2. Then the magnetic flux Φ1 created by this current through loop 1 can be easily found because magnetic field is more or less uniform in the small loop 1 (because r << R) Thus, magnetic field at the centre of the loops is

B = emi

and the magnetic flux through the loop 1 is

Φ1  = (πr2) B = emi

Using reciprocity theorem

Φ2 = Φ1 = emi

And the coefficient of mutual inductance is

M = emi

Popup Close ImagePopup Open Image
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Popup Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2026 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.