Hysteresis refers to the phenomenon in which the response of a system depends not only on its current state but also on its past history. It is commonly observed in physical systems where the effect of a force or external influence lags behind the cause. When an input force, like a magnetic field or stress, is applied and then removed, the system does not immediately return to its original state but instead follows a different path, creating a looped or lagging response.
### Key Areas Where Hysteresis Occurs:
1. **Magnetic Hysteresis**:
In magnetic materials, hysteresis occurs when the magnetic field (H) is applied to a ferromagnetic material, causing magnetization (M). Once the external magnetic field is removed, the material retains some magnetization, creating a hysteresis loop when plotted. The loop shows that the magnetization does not immediately return to zero but follows a different path than during magnetization.
- **Example**: In transformers or motors, the magnetic cores experience hysteresis loss, which is energy dissipated as heat due to this lag in response.
2. **Mechanical Hysteresis**:
In mechanical systems, hysteresis is seen when the relationship between applied stress and strain differs during loading and unloading.
- **Example**: Rubber bands exhibit hysteresis. When stretched, the force required for a given extension may not be the same when the band is relaxed.
3. **Electrical Hysteresis**:
In circuits like Schmitt triggers, hysteresis is used to provide stability and noise immunity by introducing two different threshold voltages for switching between states.
- **Example**: In digital electronics, a Schmitt trigger ensures that once the input passes a certain threshold voltage, the output switches and remains until the input crosses another threshold.
4. **Thermal Hysteresis**:
This occurs when a system's response to changes in temperature differs during heating and cooling.
- **Example**: In some materials, the expansion upon heating and contraction upon cooling do not follow the same path, leading to hysteresis.
### General Characteristics of Hysteresis:
- **Memory Effect**: Hysteresis exhibits a memory of past states, meaning the output is influenced by both the present input and previous inputs.
- **Energy Loss**: In systems like magnetic materials, the area inside the hysteresis loop represents energy lost as heat or other forms of dissipation.
### Applications:
- **Magnetic Recording Devices**: In devices like hard drives, hysteresis allows data to be written and stored due to the retention of magnetic states.
- **Control Systems**: Hysteresis is used in thermostats and control systems to avoid rapid switching on and off, ensuring smooth operation.
In summary, hysteresis is the dependence of a system's output on its history, commonly seen in systems involving magnetic, mechanical, electrical, or thermal processes.