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Eddy Currents or Foucault Currents

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Estimated time: 7 minutes
CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

When magnetic flux through a bulk conductor changes, an induced emf is produced within it. Since the conductor contains many possible closed paths, induced currents circulate in loops inside its body. These loops are called eddy currents or Foucault currents.

Analogy: Water Eddies

When water flows around an obstacle, small circular whirlpools may form. Similarly, in a metal sheet placed in a changing magnetic field, charges circulate in closed loops. These circulating charge paths are eddy currents.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Eddy Currents

Eddy currents are circulating currents induced in the bulk of a conductor when the magnetic flux linked with it changes.

They are named after the whirlpool-like eddies formed in flowing water.

CISCE: Class 12

Production of Eddy Currents

A changing magnetic flux can be produced in either of two ways:

Situation Changes Result
A conductor moves through a magnetic field Magnetic flux linked with the conductor changes Eddy currents are induced
A stationary conductor is placed in a changing magnetic field Magnetic field, and hence flux, changes with time Eddy currents are induced

Important: A changing magnetic field alone is not enough. The conductor must experience a change in magnetic flux linked with it.

CISCE: Class 12

Direction of Eddy Currents

The direction is determined by Lenz’s law.

Lenz’s law: The induced current flows in a direction such that the magnetic field produced by it opposes the change in magnetic flux responsible for the current.

  • If the external magnetic flux through a metal plate increases, the eddy current produces a magnetic field opposing that increase.
  • If the external magnetic flux decreases, the eddy current produces a magnetic field that tends to maintain the original flux.

CISCE: Class 12

Factors Affecting Eddy Currents

Eddy currents generally increase when:

  • The magnetic field changes more rapidly.
  • The magnetic field is stronger.
  • The conductor has lower resistance or higher electrical conductivity.
  • The conductor provides broad, continuous paths for current circulation.
CISCE: Class 12

Useful Applications

Application Principle Explanation
Induction furnace Heating effect of eddy currents A high-frequency alternating current in a coil produces changing flux in a metal piece. Strong eddy currents heat and melt the metal.
Electric brakes Lenz’s law opposes motion Motion of a metal disc/drum in a magnetic field produces eddy currents. Their magnetic field opposes the motion, producing a retarding force.
Damping in moving-coil galvanometers Opposition to motion Eddy currents induced in the aluminium frame oppose oscillations, allowing the pointer to settle quickly.
Induction motor Torque due to induced currents A rotating magnetic field induces currents in the rotor. Interaction between rotor currents and the field produces torque.
Speedometers and energy meters Braking torque Eddy currents in an aluminium disc provide a torque opposing rotation, enabling controlled operation.
Metal separation Magnetic braking Conducting scrap particles develop eddy currents near magnets and slow down differently from non-conductors, allowing separation.

Shaalaa.com | Electromagnetic Induction Part 4

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Electromagnetic Induction Part 4 [00:52:35]
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