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When an electric current passes through an element, it is an inductor. It is described as a two-terminal passive electrical element that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. It is also known as a coil, a choke, or a reactor. Inductance refers to a magnetic field analogous to the magnetic field’s change rate. Inductance is represented by the letter L, and its SI unit is Henry. It consists of mutual inductance and self-inductance.
Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction cites that a type of electromotive force is generated in the circuit by changing the magnetic flux. Inductance refers to the electromotive force induced to oppose the variance in current at a specific time.
Factors That Influence Inductance
Multiple factors affect inductance:
- The shape of the core
- The material of the core
- The sum of wire turns in the inductor
Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction
When an electric current flowing through an inductor or coil changes, the time-varying magnetic field produces an emf (electromotive force) or voltage in it, according to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. The rate of change of the electric current flowing through an inductor is exactly proportional to the induced voltage or emf across the inductor.
Self-Inductance
A magnetic field is induced when current flows through an inductor. It connects to surrounding circuits via concentric loops whilst also pairing with the circuit from which it is powered.
The outcome of self-inductance is when the current varies, a voltage is induced in the different loops of the coil.
When a single coil suffers the influence of inductance, it is known as self-inductance. The effect is known as self-inductance because it occurs in the same wire or coil that generated the magnetic field.
Self-inductance causes an electromotive force in the same wire or coil, resulting in what is known as a back-emf.
Mutual Inductance
The mutual inductance of two coils is defined as the induced emf in one coil opposing the change in current and voltage in the other coil. The two coils are magnetically connected because of the shift in magnetic flux. The magnetic field of one coil interacts with that of another coil and is represented by M.
Because of the shift in magnetic flux, the current flowing in one coil causes the voltage in another coil to rise. The mutual inductance and current change are precisely proportional to the quantity of magnetic flux coupled to the two coils.
If the current in one coil fluctuates with time, the emf will induce in another coil, in step with the property of inductance.
Difference between Mutual Inductance and Self Inductance
Self-Inductance | Mutual Inductance |
It deals with the traits of the coil itself. | Mutual inductance refers to the traits of a pair of coils. |
It opposes the growth or decay of current in the coil when the main current in the coil rises. | It opposes the decay of the current in the coil when the main current in the coil declines. |
Inductor and Inductance
If the rheostat resistance is constant, the battery supplies a continuing current within the coil. This leads to a never-ending field of force inside the coil.
The current passing through the coil will change because the rheostat’s resistance changes. As a result, there will be a changing magnetic flux inside the coil.
An emf is induced inside this coil to counteract the magnetic flux. Due to the induced emf, the current will flow in the wrong direction.
Applications
Due to the widespread use of AC in circuits, inductors are now present in many electrical and electronic gadgets.
Here are some real-world applications of inductors:
- Choking circuits
- Transformers, which use the coefficient concept
- Used as energy stores
- LC oscillator circuit to produce electricity
- Power converters (ac-ac or dc-dc)
Conclusion
An inductor is a wire or coil inside a conductor that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. Inductance refers to this property of inductors. Represented by the letter L, inductance allows a circuit to resist the change of current. Its SI unit is Henry, named after American scientist Joseph Henry who discovered the phenomenon in the 18th century. Inductance is of two kinds: mutual and self-inductance.
