What are eddy currents ? Write any two applications of eddy currents ?

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.

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Apoorva Arora

IIT Roorkee

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