Named because they resemble the 'eddies' in a stream. Currents flow in loops within a conductor, strongest at the surface

Named because they resemble the 'eddies' in a stream. Currents flow in loops within a conductor, strongest at the surface

• A. Induced Currents
• B. Circular Currents
• C. Surface Currents
• D. Eddy Currents

Answer: (D)

Eddy currents are loops of current induced inside a conductor by a changing magnetic field. They form closed, swirling paths—often circular—inside the material, which is why the name evokes eddies in a stream. Their flow follows Lenz’s law, opposing the change in magnetic flux. The currents are strongest at the surface due to the skin effect, which pushes the current toward the outer layers and causes the density to decay with depth. This combination—looped flow inside a conductor and greater surface concentration—fits eddy currents perfectly.

Eddy currents are loops of current induced inside a conductor by a changing magnetic field. They form closed, swirling paths—often circular—inside the material, which is why the name evokes eddies in a stream. Their flow follows Lenz’s law, opposing the change in magnetic flux. The currents are strongest at the surface due to the skin effect, which pushes the current toward the outer layers and causes the density to decay with depth. This combination—looped flow inside a conductor and greater surface concentration—fits eddy currents perfectly.