This lesson introduces the inductor, its magnetic-field behavior, and the physical features that determine its inductance. These ideas explain why inductors are useful in circuits.
An inductor is a passive, two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it. It is commonly made from insulated wire wound into a coil, although conductors can be shaped in other ways to increase magnetic flux. Inductors are also called coils, chokes, or reactors, depending on their construction and use.
All flashcards
What is an inductor?
A passive, two-terminal component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it.
What is inductance?
Inductance, symbolized by L, describes the flux linkage produced per current in a linear circuit and characterizes the voltage response to changing current.
What unit measures inductance?
The henry (H), equivalent in magnetic-circuit terms to a weber per ampere.
How does winding wire into a coil affect its field?
The turns reinforce magnetic fields and increase the flux linkage; increasing the number of turns generally increases inductance.
What does a magnetic core do?
A high-permeability core, such as iron or ferrite, strengthens and concentrates magnetic flux, thereby increasing the coil's inductance.
Quiz questions
What kind of energy does an inductor store?Answer: It stores energy in a magnetic field.
What is a common physical form of an inductor?Answer: Insulated conducting wire wound into a coil.
What is the SI unit of inductance?Answer: The henry (H).
What generally happens to inductance when the number of coil turns increases?Answer: Inductance generally increases because more turns link the magnetic flux.
Why can an iron or ferrite core increase a coil's inductance?Answer: Its high magnetic permeability strengthens and concentrates the magnetic flux.
Based on the Wikipedia article Inductor, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.