What Differentiates Eddy Currents from Resistance in Physics?

[Air]

Increased lattice vibration impedes the flow of electron. This in turn, increases temperature and resistance occurs. So, the temperature is a form of heat energy loss.

Eddy current caused by EMF leads to energy loss.

When revising, I seem to get confused with the differences and mix Eddy current and Resistance up. Both occur energy loss so what is the difference which differentiate Resistance and Eddy current? Aren't they the same physics principle? When do each occur? Thanks in advance.

 

[jbsteele]

Eddy current and resistance are different phenomena. Eddy current is an induced current that occurs in a conductor when it is exposed to a changing magnetic field, while resistance is a phenomenon of electrical energy loss that occurs when a voltage is applied across a conductor. Eddy currents will only occur if the conductor is exposed to a changing magnetic field, while resistance will occur whenever a voltage is applied across a conductor. In general, eddy current losses are more significant at higher frequencies and/or larger conductors, while resistance losses occur at all frequencies.

 

[Moetasim]

I can clarify the differences between eddy current and resistance. Eddy current is a type of current that is induced in a conductor when it is exposed to a changing magnetic field. This current circulates within the conductor and creates its own magnetic field. This phenomenon is known as Lenz's Law.

Resistance, on the other hand, refers to the opposition of a material to the flow of electric current. It is caused by the collisions of electrons with the atoms in the material, which results in the conversion of electrical energy into heat energy. This increase in temperature leads to a decrease in the flow of current, thus causing resistance.

Eddy current and resistance are not the same physics principle, but they are related. Eddy currents can contribute to resistance in a material, as the circulating currents create additional collisions between electrons and atoms, increasing the resistance.

Eddy currents occur in materials that are good conductors, such as copper or aluminum, when they are exposed to a changing magnetic field. This can happen in devices such as transformers, motors, and generators.

Resistance, on the other hand, occurs in all materials to some degree. It is dependent on factors such as the material's composition, temperature, and length. Resistance is a fundamental property of materials and is essential in many electrical applications, such as in circuit design.

In summary, eddy current and resistance are not the same principle, but they are related. Eddy currents occur in response to a changing magnetic field, while resistance is a fundamental property of materials that opposes the flow of electric current. Both can lead to energy loss, but they occur in different circumstances and have different underlying causes.