Hysteresis Loop
Definition:
A hysteresis loop is a closed curve that represents the lagging of magnetic induction (B)
behind the magnetizing field (H) in a ferromagnetic material when it is subjected to repeated
magnetization and demagnetization. It explains how a material retains magnetism and how much
external field is required to remove it.
The hysteresis loop is formed when a B-H curve (a graph between magnetic induction (B) and
magnetizing field (H)) is plotted for a ferromagnetic material. (Make a diagram from book
page number 223)
Explanation of Hysteresis Loop:
When a ferromagnetic material (such as iron) is placed in a changing magnetic field, its
magnetization does not follow the applied field instantly. Instead, it follows a specific pattern,
forming a closed loop known as the hysteresis loop. The process occurs as follows:
1. Magnetization (O to A):
Initially, the material is unmagnetized.
When the magnetizing field H is applied, the material starts getting magnetized, and the
magnetic induction B increases.
At first, the increase is slow, then it becomes rapid, and finally, it reaches a saturation
point (A) where all magnetic domains of the material are aligned.
Beyond this point, increasing H further does not significantly increase B.
2. Retentivity (Bᵣ) - (A to B):
When the applied field H is completely removed, the material does not lose all its
magnetization.
Some magnetism remains in the material, known as retentivity (Bᵣ) or remanence.
This means that even when the external field is gone, the material remains partially
magnetized.
3. Coercivity (Hc) - (B to C):
To completely remove the residual magnetism (Bᵣ), a reverse magnetic field must be
applied.
The strength of this reverse field (Hc) required to bring B back to zero is called
coercivity.
Materials with high coercivity require a strong reverse field to demagnetize, while those
with low coercivity demagnetize easily.
4. Reversed Saturation (C to D):
As the reverse field (H) increases further, the material becomes magnetized in the
opposite direction, and the B value increases in the negative direction.
At point D, the material reaches negative saturation, meaning all magnetic domains
have been aligned in the reverse direction.
5. Completion of the Loop (D to E to A):
When the reverse field H is removed, the material retains some magnetism in the
negative direction (-Bᵣ).
To remove this, the field must again be applied in the original direction.
As H increases, the material is re-magnetized in the original direction, reaching positive
saturation (A) again, thus completing the loop.
Key Terms of Hysteresis Loop:
1. Retentivity (Bᵣ) (or Remanence):
o The remaining magnetization in a material when the applied field is removed.
o High Retentivity means the material stays magnetized for a long time (used in
permanent magnets).
2. Coercivity (Hc):
o The amount of reverse field required to completely remove magnetization.
o Low Coercivity means the material is easily demagnetized (used in transformer
cores).
3. Saturation:
o The point where all magnetic domains are fully aligned, and further increasing
H does not increase B significantly.
4. Hysteresis Loss:
o The energy lost per cycle of magnetization and demagnetization, appearing as
heat.
o The amount of energy lost is proportional to the area enclosed by the hysteresis
loop.
5. Width of the Hysteresis Loop:
o A wide loop means more energy loss, which is found in hard magnetic
materials (used for permanent magnets).
o A narrow loop means less energy loss, found in soft magnetic materials (used
for transformer cores and electromagnets).
Factors Affecting the Hysteresis Loop:
Type of Material: Different ferromagnetic materials have different retentivity and
coercivity, which affect the shape of the loop.
Temperature: High temperatures can reduce magnetization, altering the hysteresis loop.
Frequency of Magnetization: Faster magnetization cycles lead to more hysteresis loss,
increasing energy consumption in electrical machines.
Applications of Hysteresis Loop:
1. Transformers & Electrical Machines:
o Soft magnetic materials (like soft iron) are used in transformer cores to reduce
hysteresis loss, improving efficiency.
2. Permanent Magnets:
o Hard magnetic materials (like steel and Alnico) with high retentivity are used
in loudspeakers, motors, and magnetic locks.
3. Magnetic Recording Devices:
o Used in hard disks, credit cards, and magnetic tapes, where data is stored using
magnetization.
4. Electromagnets:
o Used in MRI machines, relays, and electric bells, where materials with low
coercivity are preferred for easy magnetization and demagnetization.
5. Hysteresis Brakes & Clutches:
o Used in machines where controlled energy dissipation is required, such as
electric trains and industrial machinery
