A hysteresis cycle is a graphical representation of the relationship between two variables, where the value of one variable depends on the value of the other. It is typically shown as a loop or curve on a graph.
In science, hysteresis cycles are used to study and understand the behavior of systems that exhibit memory or lag effects. This includes phenomena such as magnetism, elasticity, and chemical reactions.
Hysteresis is caused by the presence of energy barriers that prevent the system from immediately responding to changes in the input variable. This can be due to factors such as friction, inertia, or internal resistance in the system.
One example of a hysteresis cycle is the magnetization curve of a ferromagnetic material. As an external magnetic field is applied, the material will become magnetized, but when the field is removed, the material will retain some of its magnetization. The hysteresis cycle shows the relationship between the external magnetic field and the resulting magnetization of the material.
No, hysteresis is not always present in systems. It depends on the specific properties and characteristics of the system. Some systems may exhibit hysteresis, while others may not show any memory or lag effects.