What is the relationship of both eddy currents and skin effect in a conductor?

The relationship between eddy currents and skin effect is best described as directly related to the frequency of the circuit. As the frequency of the alternating current increases, both eddy currents and skin effect become more pronounced in conductors.

Eddy currents are loops of electric current that are induced within conductors due to changing magnetic fields. When alternating current is applied, the varying magnetic fields create these currents, and their magnitude increases with frequency. Higher frequencies enhance the rate of change in the magnetic field, which in turn leads to stronger eddy currents.

On the other hand, skin effect refers to the tendency of alternating current to distribute itself within a conductor such that the current density is highest near the surface and decreases exponentially with greater depths into the conductor. As frequency increases, the depth of penetration of the currents into the conductor decreases, meaning that more current flows near the surface rather than throughout the entire cross-section.

Thus, both phenomena are significantly affected by the frequency of the circuit: higher frequencies produce stronger eddy currents and increase the skin effect, culminating in the direct relationship noted in the correct answer.