Electromagnetics | 12-6: Eddy Currents and Magnetic Braking of a Pendulum | Purdue University

Join Purdue University's Professor Michael Melloch in this interactive video, as he explores eddy currents and magnetic braking through a captivating pendulum experiment. The aluminum pendulum, due to its paramagnetic nature, is weakly attracted to the magnets, yet when it swings into the uniform field created by two strong magnets, it experiences a braking effect. Professor Melloch explains that as the aluminum swings into the field, eddy currents are induced in it. These currents produce an opposing magnetic field, leading to the pendulum's stop. Watch as Professor Melloch modifies the pendulum with slots to disrupt the flow of eddy currents and confirm their pivotal role in creating the braking effect.

This video is a part of Michael Melloch's intriguing Electromagnetic course, subscribe to Purdue University Online's channel for more informative videos like this and others from Purdue's team of renowned faculty.