Electrical steels — primary application of silicon steel Silicon steel is widely used for which application due to its low hysteresis loss and high permeability?

Introduction / Context:
Silicon steels (electrical steels) are specialty alloys optimized for magnetic performance. They are ubiquitous in power transformers, motors, and generators where minimizing core losses is essential for efficiency and heat management.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Silicon content typically 1–3.5% improves electrical resistivity and reduces magnetic losses.
• Sheets are laminated with insulating coatings to cut eddy currents.
• Magnetization cycles occur continuously in AC equipment.

Concept / Approach:
Silicon raises resistivity and lowers hysteresis loss by stabilizing the ferrite matrix and reducing domain wall pinning. Grain-oriented grades further reduce losses along the rolling direction. Laminated cores limit eddy-current paths, reducing I^2R heating.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify property need: low core loss at AC frequency.Map to alloy: silicon steel provides high permeability and low hysteresis loss.Select application: transformer and generator laminated cores.Thus choose option (c).

Verification / Alternative check:
Catalogs for electrical steels specifically target transformer and motor core applications with grades such as grain-oriented and non-oriented silicon steels.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Connecting rods and crankshafts require high fatigue and toughness, not magnetic optimization; cutting tools need hot hardness (typically high-speed steels or carbides); turbine blades require superalloys.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any steel suits electrical cores; ordinary carbon steels have higher losses and are inefficient in AC magnetic circuits.

Final Answer:
generators and transformers in the form of laminated cores