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

4220 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how emission spectra are formed and how they can be used to identify the elemental composition of a star.


A ball is launched upwards at 30 degrees to horizontal with a velocity of 20 metres per second, how far does it travel before landing? (no air resistance)


The roar of a tiger in a zoo can be heard by visitors at the entrance, even though the tiger can not be seen because there is a hill in the way. Name and explain this effect.


What is the period and frequency of a wave? - GCSE or A-Level students may ask this


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