A metal detector consists of a battery providing an alternating current to a transmitter coil and a receiver coil connected to a loudspeaker. Using Faraday's Law of Induction explain how a metal detector works. (5 marks)

The alternating current flows through the transmitted coil and produces a magnetic field around the coil. (1 mark) When the detector passes over a magnetic object, the magnetic field passes through the object. (1 mark) This creates a current around the object. (1 mark) This current induces another magnetic field opposing that of the transmitter coil, due to Lenz's Law. (1 mark) This magnetic field passes through the reciever coil, and as a result makes an electric current flow through the reciever coil and up to the loudspeaker. (1 mark)

MH
Answered by Mabast H. Physics tutor

4327 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the photoelectric effect?


Why is the index of refraction important for light passing between two materials?


I do 400J of work compressing a gas, but I maintain the same temperature. What is the delta U, Q and W in this case?


A passenger is standing in a train. The train accelerates and the passenger falls backwards. Use Newton's first law of motion to explain why he fell backwards.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning