What principle does electromagnetic induction rely on?

Electromagnetic induction is fundamentally based on the principle that a changing magnetic field can induce electric current in a conductor. This phenomenon was discovered by Michael Faraday and is encapsulated in Faraday's law of induction. The basis of this principle is that when the magnetic field around a conductor changes—either by moving the conductor through a magnetic field or by changing the strength or direction of the magnetic field itself—it induces an electromotive force (EMF) within the conductor. This induced EMF causes an electric current to flow if the circuit is closed.

This principle underpins the operation of many electrical devices, such as generators and transformers, where movement or changes in magnetic fields are used to generate electricity. Understanding this concept is essential for anyone working in electric station operations, as it explains how energy can be transformed and utilized.