What is the term for the phenomenon where alternating current flows more densely at the outer surface of a conductor?

The term for the phenomenon where alternating current flows more densely at the outer surface of a conductor is known as the skin effect. This effect occurs due to the nature of alternating current, which creates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents within the conductor. These eddy currents impact the distribution of current flow, causing it to be more concentrated near the surface rather than throughout the entire cross-section of the conductor.

As the frequency of the alternating current increases, the skin effect becomes more pronounced, leading to increased resistance and energy loss in the form of heat within the conductor. Understanding the skin effect is crucial in applications where efficient conductivity is necessary, such as in high-frequency transmission lines or radio frequency applications. The other terms do not accurately describe this specific phenomenon and pertain to different aspects of electrical engineering concepts.