What are eddy currents a result of?

Eddy currents are induced in conductors when there is a change in magnetic flux within the conductor's vicinity. This phenomenon is rooted in Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, which states that a changing magnetic field will induce an electromotive force (EMF) in a closed loop. When the magnetic flux varies, it creates circulating currents—known as eddy currents—that flow in closed loops within the conductor, generating thermal energy and sometimes leading to energy loss in systems.

The fact that eddy currents are specifically the result of variations in magnetic flux highlights their importance in various applications such as induction heating and certain types of braking systems. Understanding this concept is crucial for lineman apprentices as it relates to electromagnetic fields and their interactions with electrical conductors used in power systems and equipment.