What are the energy losses in electromagnetic induction?

The energy losses in electromagnetic induction are primarily due to resistance, eddy currents, and hysteresis.

In electromagnetic induction, the process of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy is not 100% efficient. There are several factors that contribute to energy losses, and these are often unavoidable to some extent.

The first major source of energy loss is resistance. When an electric current flows through a conductor, it encounters resistance, which is a property of the material of the conductor. This resistance causes some of the electrical energy to be converted into heat, which is then dissipated into the surrounding environment. The amount of energy lost to resistance can be reduced by using conductors with low resistivity, such as copper or silver, and by keeping the conductors cool.

The second major source of energy loss is eddy currents. These are circular currents that are induced in the conductor by the changing magnetic field. Eddy currents flow in a direction that opposes the change in the magnetic field, in accordance with Lenz's law. This opposition creates a force that resists the motion of the conductor, which in turn requires more energy to overcome. Eddy currents also generate heat, which contributes to energy loss. The effects of eddy currents can be minimised by using thin, laminated conductors, which restrict the path of the currents and reduce their magnitude.

The third major source of energy loss is hysteresis. This is a phenomenon that occurs in ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, when they are subjected to a changing magnetic field. The magnetic domains in the material do not immediately align with the new direction of the field, but lag behind it. This lag, or hysteresis, results in energy being lost as heat. The amount of energy lost to hysteresis can be reduced by using materials with low hysteresis loss, such as silicon steel.

In summary, the energy losses in electromagnetic induction are due to resistance, eddy currents, and hysteresis. These losses can be minimised, but not completely eliminated, by careful selection of materials and design of the induction system.