The Metal DetectorMetal detectors use induced currents to

Chapter 25, Problem 76PP

(choose chapter or problem)

Problem 76PP

The Metal Detector

Metal detectors use induced currents to sense the presence of any metal—not just magnetic materials such as iron. A metal detector, shown in Figure P25.78, consists of two coils: a transmitter coil and a receiver coil. A high-frequency oscillating current in the transmitter coil generates an oscillating magnetic field along the axis and a changing flux through the receiver coil. Consequently, there is an oscillating induced current in the receiver coil.

If a piece of metal is placed between the transmitter and the receiver, the oscillating magnetic field in the metal induces eddy currents in a plane parallel to the transmitter and receiver coils. The receiver coil then responds to the superposition of the transmitter’s magnetic field and the magnetic field of the eddy currents. Because the eddy currents attempt to prevent the flux from changing, in accordance with Lenz’s law, the net field at the receiver decreases when a piece of metal is inserted between the coils. Electronic circuits detect the current decrease in the receiver coil and set off an alarm.

The metal detector will not detect insulators because

A. Insulators block magnetic fields.

B. No eddy current can be produced in an insulator.

C. No emf can be produced in an insulator.

D. An insulator will increase the field at the receiver.