What are heat-producing currents in the body that are formed by a magnetic field that is externally applied in short-wave diathermy called?

What are heat-producing currents in the body that are formed by a magnetic field that is externally applied in short-wave diathermy called?

• A. Eddy currents
• B. Capacitive currents
• C. Inductive currents
• D. Dielectric currents

Answer: (A)

When a time-varying magnetic field is applied externally in short-wave diathermy, it induces circulating currents inside conductive tissues. These circulating currents are called eddy currents. As they flow through the tissue, the power losses from electrical resistance (I^2R losses) produce heat, which is the therapeutic effect. This heating mechanism is driven by the magnetic field, distinguishing it from heating caused by electric fields or dielectric polarization. Capacitive heating relies on an electric field between plates, and dielectric heating involves molecular dipole rotation in non-conductive tissues.

When a time-varying magnetic field is applied externally in short-wave diathermy, it induces circulating currents inside conductive tissues. These circulating currents are called eddy currents. As they flow through the tissue, the power losses from electrical resistance (I^2R losses) produce heat, which is the therapeutic effect. This heating mechanism is driven by the magnetic field, distinguishing it from heating caused by electric fields or dielectric polarization. Capacitive heating relies on an electric field between plates, and dielectric heating involves molecular dipole rotation in non-conductive tissues.