From Magnet to Generator: How Electromagnetic Induction Creates Power What happens when you move a magnet through a coil of copper wire? The ammeter deflects. A light bulb flickers. Electric current is born. This is the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction — the foundation of electricity generation. By designing a rotating coil inside a magnetic field, we can produce continuous current to power a light bulb. Add gears and a chain drive, and you’ve just built a hand-crank generator! A fun and