Question

A metallic bob A oscillates through the space between the poles of an electromagnet (See the figure). The oscillations are more quickly damped when the circuit is on, as compared to the case when the circuit is off. Explain.

Answer 1

When the circuit is on, eddy currents are produced on the surface of the metallic bob. Due to these eddy currents, thermal energy is generated in it. This thermal energy comes at the cost of the kinetic energy of the bob; hence, oscillations are more quickly damped when the circuit is on compared to when the circuit is off.