What is the net effect of eddy currents in a conductor?

The net effect of eddy currents in a conductor is power loss, which is the correct answer. Eddy currents are loops of electrical current that are induced within conductors when they are exposed to a changing magnetic field. These currents create their own magnetic field, which opposes the original magnetic field according to Lenz's law, leading to energy dissipation. This dissipation occurs in the form of heat due to the inherent resistance in the material of the conductor.

The power loss is particularly significant in situations where the conductor has a low resistance, as more energy is converted to heat rather than being used for useful work. This effect is undesirable in many applications, such as transformers and electric motors, where efficiency is critical. To minimize this power loss, engineers often design components using laminated cores or materials with higher resistivity to reduce the magnitude of the eddy currents.

In contrast, while other choices might superficially seem relevant, they do not accurately describe the primary outcome of eddy currents. For instance, eddy currents do not lead to voltage gain; in fact, they can reduce the effective voltage across a device. Increased resistance does not typically result directly from eddy currents, as the realization of eddy currents inherently contributes to power loss rather than increasing