Wervelstromen

Eddy currents are a loop of electric current induced within a conductor due to a change in the magnetic field.

In eddy currents, the electrons swirl in a circular loop perpendicular to the magnetic field.

Consider a solenoid connected with an AC source. As a result of variable current, the magnetic field produced by the solenoid will also vary.

Then a metallic plate is kept close to the solenoid, which results in the generation of eddy currents in the plate.

These currents trigger energy loss as they produce unnecessary heat.

For example, electrical energy is wasted as heat in the transformer's core due to the formation of eddy currents.

This undesirable effect can be utilized in several applications.

When an induction stove consisting of a metallic coil is switched on, an AC current starts flowing in the coil.

This generates a varying magnetic field. As a result of the changing magnetic flux, eddy currents develop in the base of the metallic vessel and heat it without heating the non-conducting top plate of the stove.