Final answer:
Induction stovetops heat by magnetic coils, which produce a rapidly varying magnetic field. This creates eddy currents in the base of a ferromagnetic pot or pan, causing it to heat up.
Step-by-step explanation:
Induction stovetops heat by magnetic coils. They have electromagnets under their surface that produce a rapidly varying magnetic field. This magnetic field induces eddy currents in the base of a ferromagnetic pot or pan, causing it to heat up. The base of the pot needs to be made of iron or steel for induction to work.