Eddy currents and the motion of the body

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of a solid metallic body moving towards a magnet and the generation of eddy currents due to the increase in magnetic flux. It concludes that eddy currents, as per Lenz's law, create a magnetic force that opposes the motion of the body, leading to energy loss primarily as heat. If energy is not lost, the body may return to its original position, but in practical scenarios, the body will not remain stationary due to energy dissipation. The phenomenon is exemplified by magnetic levitation, particularly in superconductors like lead at low temperatures.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lenz's law in electromagnetism
  • Knowledge of eddy currents and their effects on conductive materials
  • Familiarity with magnetic flux concepts
  • Basic principles of superconductivity, particularly in lead
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of magnetic levitation and its applications
  • Explore the effects of temperature on superconductivity in materials
  • Study the mathematical formulation of Lenz's law and its implications in circuit design
  • Investigate the generation and management of eddy currents in engineering applications
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism and materials science will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the practical applications of eddy currents and magnetic levitation.

abhineetK
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A solid metallic body moves closer to a magnet. This causes increase in magnetic flux linked with the body. Eddy currents are generated in it.
Now, the problem is: will the body come back to its original position or will stay there?
I say that eddy currents will generate heat which will go waste. So, it must stop there/nearby after losing its energy completely.
But what would happen if energy is not lost as heat, will it come back to its original position so as to oppose the change in flux??So, will it try to make the flux linked with it equal to initial flux?
 
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The eddy currents, following Lenz's law, will produce a magnetic force to oppose the motion. If there were 'no' resistance, the currents would be so high that the opposing force would equal the force pushing the object at the magnet. This happens in magnetic 'levitation' when a lead ball is suspended permanently, above a magnet when the temperature is low enough to make the lead a superconductor. You find that it bounces up and down. (There must be a Utube sequence, somewhere)
As energy is lost, the ball will fall, however; it can't stay where it started.
 

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