0

Guest

Courses New

What are eddy currents? Explain its applications

What are eddy currents? Explain its applications

Grade:Upto college level

1 Answers

Apoorva Arora IIT Roorkee
askIITians Faculty 181 Points
9 years ago
In Physics, eddy currents are electrical currents induced a conductor by a changing magnetic field. It is the principle used to heat cooking vessels in induction cooktops and slow down rollercoasters. Unpleasantly, they also cause heating in the cores of transformers (alleviated by laminating the core).
Basically, you have a spinning disc made of conducting material (usually copper). When you place a magnetic field through the copper disc, eddy currents are generated which oppose the spinning of the disc, slowing it down. This effect would decrease if you were to cut slits in the disc, as the eddy currents would be interrupted.
Otherwise, "eddy current" can refer to smoke or water eddies for which physical eddy currents are named. Basically, move your hand through water. See how the water moves in circles around the edges of your hand? Those are water eddies.
Thanks and Regards
Apoorva Arora
IIT Roorkee
askIITians Faculty

Think You Can Provide A Better Answer ?

Other Related Questions on General Physics

View all Questions »

ASK QUESTION

Get your questions answered by the expert for free

Answer and earn gift vouchers

Win Gift vouchers upto Rs 500/-

View courses by askIITians

Design classes One-on-One in your own way with Top IITians/Medical Professionals

Click Here Know More

Complete Self Study Package designed by Industry Leading Experts

Click Here Know More

Live 1-1 coding classes to unleash the Creator in your Child

Click Here Know More

a Complete All-in-One Study package Fully Loaded inside a Tablet!

Click Here Know More