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Self inductance means that when a current is passed through a wire, the current carrying wire produces a magnetic field around it and hence experiences inductance of voltage. Mutual induction is described as the induction or voltage fluctuations after generation that is caused in another coil of wire when kept in a close range or proximity of another wire which has current flowing through it. There are many applications of self inductance and mutual inductance and the further sections explore these applications.
What Is Self And Mutual Induction?
The properties of mutual and self inductions are a subsection of electromagnetic induction.
Self inductance means that when a current is passed through a wire, the current carrying wire produces a magnetic field around it and hence experiences inductance of voltage. The reason it is called self inductance is because there is no external source of power or magnetic field; the voltage is produced by the wire by itself.
Mutual induction is described as the induction or voltage fluctuations after generation that is caused in another coil of wire when kept in a close range or proximity of another wire which has current flowing through it. The reason for the inductance of this voltage is current in another wire, which also produces a magnetic field hence the phenomena of electromagnetic induction is carried over.
Here the word voltage is also used interchangeably with e.m.f, or electromotive force.
Applications Of Self Induction
There are several applications of self inductance as well as mutual induction. Let us explore these practical applications in detail in the next sections:
Starting with applications of self inductance, the main function that is performed is to store electrical energy in the form of a magnetic field, hence giving rise to various applications of this phenomena.
Like stated above, since it is performing the main function of storage, often the principle of self inductance is used in the form of storing energy in devices.
Sensors, which are well known and used especially in the area of security, are devices that are used to detect fluctuations and changes that take place in an environment. They report this changing stimuli. Sensors also find that the main principle used is of self inductance.
Transformers also work on the principle of self inductance. Transformers do the work of converting an alternating current from one circuit cycle to another.
Applications Of Mutual Induction
Applications of mutual induction are seen in day to day life and we have seen these devices without actually knowing that the principle of mutual induction is being put to practical use.
The latest technology of charging phones without making the use of wires, operates on the principle of mutual induction. The charging bases, one of which is connected to the power line, charges the base on which our phone is kept and it starts charging.
Pacemakers, which are used in the heart to keep up the pace of the heartbeat and hence save someone’s life, also work on the principle of mutual induction. The minor electrical and magnetic currents generated keep the pacemaker in action.
The metal detectors used to keep up security measures also work under the practicality of mutual inductance.
Conclusion
Self inductance means that when a current is passed through a wire, the current carrying wire produces a magnetic field around it and hence experiences inductance of voltage. Mutual induction is described as the induction or voltage fluctuations after generation that is caused in another coil of wire when kept in a close range or proximity of another wire which has current flowing through it. Applications of self and mutual induction have been discussed above.
