hysteresis

/,histə'ri:sis/
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hysteresis

A magnet's hysteresis curve is plotted on a graph.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The lagging of an effect behind its cause: A phenomenon where the response of a system lags behind changes in the force influencing it. This lag occurs because the system's state depends on its history.
    • Specifically in magnetism: The phenomenon where the magnetic induction (magnetization) of a ferromagnetic material, like iron, lags behind changes in the external magnetic field applied to it.
Usage and Examples
  • General Scientific Context:

    • The control system accounts for hysteresis to ensure accurate positioning. (The system's design considers the lag between command and response.)
    • In economics, hysteresis can describe how high unemployment persists even after a recession ends. (The effect of unemployment lingers after its initial cause has diminished.)
  • Physics and Engineering Context:

    • The hysteresis loop of the material was plotted to measure its energy loss. (A graph showing how magnetization lags behind the magnetic field was created.)
    • Mechanical switches often exhibit hysteresis to prevent chattering. (The switch has a built-in lag to avoid rapid, unintended on-off cycles.)
Advanced Usage and Concepts
  • "Hysteresis loop": A closed curve, often seen on a graph, that shows the lagging relationship between two linked variables, like magnetic field strength and magnetization. The area inside the loop often represents energy loss.

    • The size of the hysteresis loop indicates how much energy is dissipated as heat in each cycle.
  • "Thermal hysteresis": A lag in a physical property (like volume or phase) during heating and cooling cycles.

    • The protein's activity shows thermal hysteresis, being different at the same temperature depending on whether it was reached by heating or cooling.
  • "Hysteresis loss": The energy lost, typically as heat, due to hysteresis effects in a material during a cyclic process.

    • Engineers select core materials with low hysteresis loss for efficient transformers.
Variants and Related Words
  • Hysteretic (adjective): Relating to or exhibiting hysteresis.
    • The material's hysteretic behavior complicates the control algorithm.
Synonyms
  • Lag: A delay between cause and effect. (More general, less technical)
  • History dependence: The property where the current state depends on past states. (A descriptive synonym)
Related Phrases and Terms
  • Magnetic hysteresis: The specific type of hysteresis observed in magnetic materials.

    • Magnetic hysteresis is a key principle behind the operation of permanent magnets and magnetic memory.
  • Elastic hysteresis: The energy loss observed when a solid material (like rubber) is deformed and then returns to its original shape.

    • The tire's elastic hysteresis contributes to rolling resistance and heat buildup.
Notes on Meaning
  • Core Concept: Hysteresis is fundamentally about memory or path-dependence in a system. The current output depends not just on the current input, but on the history of previous inputs.
  • Contrast with Simple Lag: While similar, hysteresis implies a difference in the path when the influencing force is increasing versus when it is decreasing, often forming a loop. A simple time delay or "lag" may not have this path-dependent characteristic.
hysteresis

A magnet's hysteresis curve is plotted on a graph.

Noun
  1. the lagging of an effect behind its cause; especially the phenomenon in which the magnetic induction of a ferromagnetic material lags behind the changing magnetic field