What is the effect of hysteresis on electrical components?

Hysteresis in electrical components refers to the lagging behavior of the output compared to the input when a changing signal is applied. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in magnetic materials, such as inductors and transformers, where the magnetization does not instantly follow the applied magnetic field. As a result, when current flows through components affected by hysteresis, there is a delay or lag in the current response relative to the voltage. This lag can lead to energy losses in the form of heat, thereby decreasing the overall efficiency of the component.

In systems where hysteresis is significant, you may also observe distortion of waveforms, which can contribute to further efficiency losses. Hence, the effect of hysteresis is clearly linked to a decrease in efficiency due to current lag, impacting the performance of electrical systems.