Magnetism and electromagnetismQuestion 204 of 1506

For which use is magnetic hysteresis a helpful property?

  1. Keeping a core from saturating
  2. Making an exact flux for each coil current
  3. Cutting losses in an AC coil
  4. Storing data on magnetic tape or disks
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Correct answer: Storing data on magnetic tape or disks

A material that remembers its last magnetic state can store data. In other jobs, hysteresis wastes energy or blurs control.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 14.4: Permeability and Saturation

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026