Definition
An electric current produced in a conductor by a changing magnetic field passing through or around it, rather than by a direct electrical connection to a power source.
Plain English
When a magnetic field moves or changes near a wire, it makes electricity flow in that wire — even though nothing is physically connected to it.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical system discussions, especially generators, alternators, coils, and electrical troubleshooting.
Derivation
From the Latin 'inducere,' meaning 'to lead in' or 'to bring about.' The current is 'led into' the wire by the magnetic field, without any direct electrical contact.
Why Pilots Care
Induced current is the working principle behind almost every electrical generating device on the aircraft — the alternator that charges the battery, the magnetos that fire the spark plugs, and the transformers in avionics all depend on it.
Analogy
It is like moving a magnet near a wire and making electricity appear in the wire. Nothing is poured into the wire; the motion and magnetic field create the electrical push.
Grounding Statement
Move a magnet past a coil of wire and a current appears in the wire — that current is induced.
Intuition Check
Induced does not mean guessed or suggested here. It means caused to happen by a changing magnetic field.
Example Sentence 1
As the engine turns the magneto's rotor, the changing magnetic field creates an induced current in the coil that fires the spark plug.
Example Sentence 2
Shielding around wires prevents stray induced current from disrupting avionics signals.