Question

What is inductor and its formula?

Answer 1

An inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field when current flows through it. It’s made up of a coil of wire, often wound around a core material (like iron or air), and it resists changes in the current passing through it.

How it Works:

1. When current flows through the inductor, it creates a magnetic field around the coil.
   

1. If the current changes, the magnetic field also changes, which creates an opposing voltage (called induced voltage) that resists the change in current. This is known as self-inductance.
   

Formula for Inductance:

The inductance (L) of an inductor is the property that quantifies how much opposition the inductor provides to the change in current. The formula for inductance is:

\[
L = \frac{N^2 \cdot \mu \cdot A}{l}
\]

Where:

1. \( L \) = Inductance (measured in henries (H))
   

1. \( N \) = Number of turns in the coil
   

1. \( \mu \) = Permeability of the core material (a measure of how easily a magnetic field can pass through the material)
   

1. \( A \) = Cross-sectional area of the core (measured in square meters)
   

1. \( l \) = Length of the coil (measured in meters)
   

Inductive Reactance:

If you're dealing with an AC (alternating current) circuit, an inductor also has inductive reactance \( X_L \), which opposes the change in current. The formula is:

\[
X_L = 2 \pi f L
\]

Where:

1. \( X_L \) = Inductive reactance (measured in ohms)
   

1. \( f \) = Frequency of the alternating current (measured in hertz, Hz)
   

1. \( L \) = Inductance (measured in henries, H)
   

Summary:

1. An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field and resists changes in current.
   

1. The inductance depends on the number of turns in the coil, the material of the core, and the dimensions of the coil.
   

1. In an AC circuit, an inductor provides inductive reactance that depends on the frequency of the current.
   

Let me know if you'd like more clarification on any of these points!