In the last lab, we learned how an AC electromagnetic field can produce circulating eddy currents within a bulk conductor, such as a ferromagnetic core inside a coil. These eddy currents require energy to produce, and therefore cause efficiency losses in some devices. How do we reduce eddy current losses in transformers?

a. Eddy current losses are reduced by using transformer coils of special wire.
b. Rather than solid metal, transformer cores are made from thin, ferromagnetic laminations.
c. A reduction in energy losses is important to transformer design.
d. Eddy currents only circulate in a vertical plane, so they are reduced by mounting the transformer on its side.

. The ferromagnetic core of the transformer is covered with a non-conductive coating.