Difference Between Conduction vs Induction

When current flows through a material, we talk about induction or conduction. Make no mistake though, both of these terms serve the same purpose, but the methods in which they function are entirely different. The question now is how are conduction and induction alike and how are they different?

In this article, we will look at the peculiar definitions of these terms, how they relate to each other in terms of similarities and differences, then we’ll cap it up with a comparison table showing everything we’ve discussed and more.

Definition of Conduction

First of all, before going further with the definition of conduction, it is important to note that the energy involved in this method of power transmission can be heat, electricity, or sound. This means that conduction is needed to move these types of energy from one point to another.

Now, what exactly does conduction mean?

Conduction is defined as the flow of energy from a region of higher concentration to one of lower concentration through the physical interactions of select materials (also known as energy conductors).

A very important keyword to note here is “physical interaction”. If there is no physical interaction between the energy carriers, there will be no conduction. Also, if the selected material involved is not a conductor, there will be no conduction.

Definition of Induction

It is kind difficult to define induction without reference to magnetism, but that is not all there is to induction. Besides magnetic fields, induction is also a major part of electricity and electromagnetism.

Induction is the flow of energy from a charged material to a selected uncharged material, with no necessary contact between both materials.

The fact that the materials concerned do not need to come into contact with each other is what makes the biggest difference between induction and conduction. As with induction, once the materials are within an acceptable range, induction can actually take place.

The discovery of induction is generally credited to Michael Faraday and then Joseph Henry.

Main Differences Between Conduction vs Induction

What is the difference between conduction and induction? The answer to this question is highlighted in the table below.

Basis of Comparison	Conduction	Induction
Definition	The flow of energy from a region of higher concentration to one of lower concentration through the physical interactions of selected materials	The flow of power from a charged material to an uncharged select material without any required contact between both materials
Current	Can be applied with A.C. or D.C.	Can only be applied with A.C.
Charging/energy transfer	Charging/energy transfer can only take place when the objects in question come in contact with each other	Charging/energy transfer can take place when the objects in question are within a close range
Direction of current	Current follow the original current direction	Current always oppose original current direction

Difference Between Conduction and Induction: Conclusion

The comparison table gives more detailed information on the difference between induction and conduction. Of all these differences mentioned, the one that easily comes to mind is how energy is transferred in both cases with regards to contact.

In conduction, the materials involved must come into contact with each other for the energy to be transferred, whereas in induction, the materials involved must only remain within a particular range for the energy to be transferred. That is the major difference between conduction and induction.