What occurs during electromagnetic induction?

Electromagnetic induction refers to the process where a changing magnetic field within a closed loop of wire or a conductor induces an electric current in that conductor. This phenomenon is fundamentally described by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, which states that the electromotive force (EMF) induced in a circuit is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux through the circuit.

When the magnetic field around the conductor changes—either because the field strength varies or because the conductor moves through a magnetic field—an electric current is generated in the conductor as electrons are pushed through the material. This principle is essential in many applications, such as electric generators and transformers.

The other concepts presented do not pertain to electromagnetic induction. For instance, generating heat through resistance occurs in a conductor that carries a constant current, but it is not related to the induction process itself. Similarly, a static charge building up on insulated surfaces involves electrostatics rather than the dynamic process of electromagnetic induction. Finally, while a magnetic field is created by a constant current, this too does not describe induction, which specifically requires a change in magnetic conditions to produce electric current.