What is the function of an inductor in an electrical circuit?

What is the function of an inductor in an electrical circuit?

• A. To store electrical charge
• B. To oppose changes in electrical current
• C. To convert AC to DC
• D. To amplify signals

Answer: (B)

The function of an inductor in an electrical circuit is primarily to oppose changes in electrical current. This property arises from the fact that inductors are passive components that consist of coils of wire. When current flows through the coil, it generates a magnetic field which stores energy. If there is a sudden change in the current, the inductor reacts by inducing an electromotive force (EMF) in the opposite direction to oppose that change, following Lenz's Law. This behavior is crucial for applications such as filtering, tuning circuits, and energy storage in power supplies. While storing electrical charge is a function of capacitors, and converting AC to DC relates to rectifiers or specific circuit designs rather than inductors, amplifying signals typically involves active components like transistors. Understanding the inductor's role helps in grasping how it contributes to the stability and functionality of circuits in various electronic applications.

The function of an inductor in an electrical circuit is primarily to oppose changes in electrical current. This property arises from the fact that inductors are passive components that consist of coils of wire. When current flows through the coil, it generates a magnetic field which stores energy. If there is a sudden change in the current, the inductor reacts by inducing an electromotive force (EMF) in the opposite direction to oppose that change, following Lenz's Law. This behavior is crucial for applications such as filtering, tuning circuits, and energy storage in power supplies.

While storing electrical charge is a function of capacitors, and converting AC to DC relates to rectifiers or specific circuit designs rather than inductors, amplifying signals typically involves active components like transistors. Understanding the inductor's role helps in grasping how it contributes to the stability and functionality of circuits in various electronic applications.