Hysteresis Loop
Introduction:
Hysteresis is an important phenomenon in Magnetism which occurs in
ferromagnetic materials such as iron.
The word hysteresis means “lagging”, which means that one quantity
does not immediately follow the other.
Definition of Hysteresis
Hysteresis is defined as:
The lag of magnetic flux density (B) behind the magnetic field
strength (H).
This means when an external magnetic field is applied or removed, the
magnetization of the material does not change instantly.
What is Hysteresis Loop?
The hysteresis loop is a graph plotted between:
● Magnetic field strength (H) on x-axis
● Magnetic flux density (B) on y-axis
It shows the complete cycle of magnetization and demagnetization
of a ferromagnetic material.
Formation of Hysteresis Loop:
Now we explain the loop step by step:
🟢 1. Initial Magnetization (O → A)
● Initially, the material is unmagnetized (O point)
● When magnetic field strength (H) is increased:
○ Magnetic flux density (B) also increases
At point A:
● All magnetic domains are aligned
● Material reaches maximum magnetization
✔ This point is called Saturation Point
2. Retentivity (A → B)
● Now the magnetic field (H) is reduced to zero
● But the material does not lose all magnetism
At point B:
● Some magnetism still remains
✔ This remaining magnetism is called Retentivity or Residual
Magnetism
3. Coercivity (B → C)
● To remove this remaining magnetism:
○ A reverse magnetic field is applied
At point C:
● Magnetism becomes zero
✔ The reverse field required is called Coercive Force (Coercivity)
4. Reverse Saturation (C → D)
● If the reverse field is increased further:
○ Material becomes magnetized in opposite direction
At point D:
● Maximum magnetization in reverse direction
● ✔ Called Negative Saturation
5. Completing the Loop (D → E → F → O)
● Now the magnetic field is again reduced and reversed
● The same process repeats in opposite direction
● Finally, a closed curve is formed
● ✔ This closed curve is called the Hysteresis Loop
Retentivity
It is the ability of a material to retain magnetism after the external
magnetic field is removed.
Coercivity:
It is the reverse magnetic field required to completely demagnetize the
material.
Saturation
The state in which the material reaches maximum magnetization.
Energy Loss Due to Hysteresis
During the process of magnetization and demagnetization:
● Energy is continuously used
● This energy is lost as heat
✔ This is called Hysteresis Loss
The area of the hysteresis loop represents energy loss
Practical Example
● In transformers, continuous magnetization occurs
● Energy is lost in the form of heat
✔ To reduce this loss:
● Soft iron is used because it has a small hysteresis loop
Types of Hysteresis:
1. Rate-dependent hysteresis
○ Depends on time and phase lag
2. Rate-independent hysteresis
○ Depends on previous history (memory of system)
Advantages of Hysteresis Loop
The hysteresis loop is very useful in understanding and selecting
magnetic materials. Its main advantages are:
⭐ 1. Helps in Reducing Energy Loss
● The area of the hysteresis loop shows energy loss.
● A smaller loop → less hysteresis loss
👉 This helps engineers choose materials (like soft iron) for:
● Transformers
● Electrical machines
⭐ 2. Helps in Selecting Magnetic Materials
● The loop gives information about:
○ Retentivity
○ Coercivity
👉 So we can choose:
● High retentivity → for permanent magnets
● Low coercivity → for electromagnets
⭐ 3. Determines Residual Magnetism
● From the loop, we can find retained magnetism (retentivity)
● This helps in designing magnetic devices
⭐ 4. Useful in Magnetic Device Design
● Used in:
○ Transformers
○ Motors
○ Magnetic storage devices
It helps improve efficiency and performance
🔹 Applications of Hysteresis
Hysteresis has many practical uses:
● Magnetic storage devices (hard disks, credit cards)
● Transformers and electric machines
● Thermostats
● Electronic circuits
Conclusion
Hysteresis loop is very important because:
● It explains the magnetic behavior of materials
● Helps in selecting materials for transformers and magnets
● Shows energy loss during magnetization