Not actually named from fellow called Eddie an eddy current is usually a swirling electrical current which is created in the conducting metal for example copper or steel by moving the metal via a magnetic field, or possibly a magnetic field on the metal. The currents generated produce their unique magnetic field, as with all current flowing in almost any conductor. This newly created magnetic field opposes (repels) an original magnetic field that came up with the currents initially, creating a damping effect. Eddy currents are strongest on the outside of the conducting material and flow in small circles representing eddies' in a very stream, and so the name 'eddy current'. Why does a magnet fall slowly by having a copper pipe? As a result of the magnetic repulsion created, a damping effect is seen. For this reason when Ceramic Magnet(Segment) you drop a substantial magnet down a thick copper pipe the magnet will appear to descend slower than you'll expect. So what's happening here? Well, it isn't really witchcraft or magic it really is science! Since the magnet falls, the flux around it constantly changes position and this also moving flux creates the flow of eddy currents at first glance on the copper pipe. All conducting materials, including copper, create their own magnetic flux each time a current is passed through them, like the eddy currents created. As gravity pulls the magnet downwards over the pipe, the magnetic flux manufactured by the eddy currents resist the magnetic field made by the magnet, slowing it down. It makes really addictive viewing! Magnetic Product