(a) Explain, with reference to electromagnetic principles, why a solid metal plate moving through a non-uniform magnetic field soon experiences a steady terminal velocity, whereas the same motion through an electric field would not produce such a speed limit.
(b) Describe qualitatively how the following factors influence the magnitude of the retarding force produced by eddy currents in a moving conductor:
(i) electrical resistivity of the material,
(ii) thickness of the conductor,
(iii) strength of the magnetic field,
(iv) presence of narrow radial slots cut in the conductor.
(c) A designer wishes to maximise magnetic damping while minimising unwanted heating. Suggest two practical design changes based on your discussion in part (b) and justify each choice.