Physics Girl

Why outlets spark when unplugging - EMF & Inductors

When we cut the electricity to an inductor, we get a sudden intense spark across the switch. This is known as inductive kickback or a back EMF and is produced because of Faraday’s Law of Induction. Not mean to be tried at home! The inductor doesn’t want to change its current, so the change in magnetic field creates an EMF resulting in a high voltage across the switch. #PHYSICS

Why outlets spark when unplugging - EMF & Inductors

6m 30s

When we cut the electricity to an inductor, we get a sudden intense spark across the switch. This is known as inductive kickback or a back EMF and is produced because of Faraday’s Law of Induction. Not mean to be tried at home! The inductor doesn’t want to change its current, so the change in magnetic field creates an EMF resulting in a high voltage across the switch. #PHYSICS

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