An Alternative explanation for energy loss due to Eddy currents

In summary, both explanations agree that eddy currents result in energy loss. Explanation 1 focuses on the joule heating caused by the resistance in the material, while explanation 2 highlights the loss of energy through the interaction between the magnet and the induced magnetic dipole. These can be seen as two separate avenues through which energy is lost due to eddy current formation. However, they both contribute to the overall energy loss in the system.
  • #1
phantomvommand
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TL;DR Summary
I have 2 explanations for energy loss due to eddy currents, please let me know which (or both) are correct, and how they ultimately agree with each other.
Explanation 1:
Eddy currents induced, energy loss due to joule heating.

Explanation 2:
Eddy currents induced, induced magnetic dipole formed. Energy is lost as work has to be done to overcome the attractive/repulsive force due to the magnet and the induced magnetic dipole from the eddy currents. (The magnet is always moving in the opposite direction of the force)

Are both explanations correct?
How do they reconcile/agree with each other? They seem to focus on completely different aspects of eddy currents. Explanation 1 is entirely restricted to the material on which eddy currents form, while explanation 2 involves the interactions between the magnet and the material. Is it that there are 2 avenues through which energy is lost due to eddy current formation, or are these '2 avenues' actually the same thing?
 
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  • #2
I would say they are two different "avenues". For example, if you drop a magnet through a metal tube, eddy currents will be formed in the tube that will exert a retarding force on the magnet opposite to g. The power pumped into the system will be ##mgv##, the ohmic loss is a ##-I^2R## term and the magnetic retarding force loss is a ##-F_M v## term. Conservation of energy (per unit time) requires that ##mgv-I^2R-F_Mv=0.##
 
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  • #3
Only ohmic hearing results in energy loss. In the case of eddy currents in a lossless conductor (superconductor, e.g.), mechanical work is balanced by the energy stored in the magnetic field of the current distribution.
 
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1. What are Eddy currents?

Eddy currents are swirling currents of electricity that are induced in conductive materials when they are exposed to a changing magnetic field.

2. How do Eddy currents cause energy loss?

Eddy currents cause energy loss by generating heat in the conductive material they are flowing through. This heat is a result of the resistance of the material to the flow of electricity.

3. Can Eddy currents be minimized or eliminated?

Yes, Eddy currents can be minimized or eliminated by using materials with lower electrical conductivity or by using laminated or layered materials that reduce the flow of electricity.

4. What is an alternative explanation for energy loss due to Eddy currents?

An alternative explanation for energy loss due to Eddy currents is the skin effect, which is the tendency of alternating current to flow primarily on the surface of a conductor, reducing the effective cross-sectional area for current flow and increasing resistance.

5. How can the effects of Eddy currents be mitigated in practical applications?

The effects of Eddy currents can be mitigated in practical applications by using techniques such as using thicker conductive materials, using magnetic shielding, or designing circuits to minimize the impact of Eddy currents.

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