Understanding Hysteresis in Physics: A Detailed Analysis

by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023

Understanding Hysteresis in Physics: An Overview

Hysteresis is a concept used in physics to describe the phenomenon of delayed response in a system. It is a concept used to describe how a system responds to changes in input. Hysteresis is seen in most physical systems and occurs when the output of a system does not change in direct proportion to the change in the input of the system. In such cases, the system is said to possess a hysteresis or memory effect. Understanding hysteresis in physics is essential for engineers and scientists dealing with fields involving materials, electricity, electronics and mechanics.

What is Hysteresis?

Hysteresis is a phenomenon observed in many physical systems that is caused by a lag in the time taken for the system to respond to an input or vice versa. This phenomenon is observed because the system has a time dependent memory of past inputs, which impacts the response to the present or current input. In simple terms, hysteresis is observed when the output of a system does not immediately respond to the change in its input, but instead only responds after a delay.

Characteristics of Hysteresis

Hysteresis has several distinct characteristics:

Hysteresis is time dependent and occurs due to the inherent lag in the system’s response to the input.
The system will respond differently depending on the rate of input change.
The system memory effect allows for non-linearity in the system’s responses.
The output of the system is dependent on not only the current input but also on the previous inputs.

Types of Hysteresis

There are two main types of hysteresis:

Static Hysteresis (स्थिर हीस्टीरसिस): Static hysteresis is observed when the system’s output is affected by the change in the input for a given period of time. It is typically observed in systems with static inputs such as mechanical systems and resistors.
Dynamic Hysteresis (डायनेमिक हीस्टीरसिस): Dynamic hysteresis is observed when the system’s output is affected by the rate of change of the input. It is typically observed in systems with dynamic inputs such as those in mechanical, electrical and thermal systems.

Causes of Hysteresis

Hysteresis occurs due to the time-dependent memory effect in a system. This memory effect is caused by the following factors:

Elasticity (लचीलापन): Elasticity is the ability of the system to store energy in the form of strain or strain energy when deformed. When the input is removed, the stored energy is slowly released back to the system. This slow release of energy has a delay in the response to the input, thus, causing hysteresis.
Molecular Interactions (मौलिक संबंधित): Molecules interact with each other in a system due to the bonds they form between them. These interactions are responsible for the time dependent memory effect as the bonds take time to form and break.
Friction (तरलता): Friction is the resistance encountered by an object while moving over a surface. Friction causes the system to resist change in input and thus, causes hysteresis.

Applications of Hysteresis

Hysteresis has many practical applications. They are as follows:

Sensor (सेंसर): Hysteresis in technical systems is used to create a differential response to different inputs. For example, a pressure sensor can be used to measure pressure changes in a system but will respond differently depending on whether the pressure is increasing or decreasing. Similarly, a temperature sensor will have a different response depending on whether the temperature is rising or falling.
Control System (नियंत्रण प्रणाली): Hysteresis can be used in control systems to create stability. The hysteresis can be used to limit the rate of change in the system’s output by creating a buffer between input and output.
Magnetic System (चुंबकीय प्रणाली): Hysteresis in magnetic systems is used to create different responses to different inputs. Hysteresis can be used to create a non-linear response. This is useful in magnetic recording systems as it allows for the creation of soft magnetic films which are used in the storage of data.

Conclusion

Hysteresis is a phenomenon observed in many physical systems that is caused by the lag time in the system’s response to an input or output. Hysteresis has many applications in engineering and science and is used to create stability, sensor, control system and magnetic systems. Understanding hysteresis in physics is essential for those dealing with fields involving materials, electricity, electronics and mechanics.