1. What is an inductor?
An inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field when electric current flows through it. It is typically made of a coil of wire wound around a core.
2. What is the unit of inductance?
The unit of inductance is the Henry (H), named after Joseph Henry. In practical circuits, smaller units like millihenry (mH) and microhenry (ยตH) are commonly used.
3. What are the main applications of inductors?
Inductors are used in:
- Power supplies (SMPS)
- Filters (to reduce noise)
- Transformers
- Oscillators and tuning circuits
- DC-DC converters
4. How does an inductor behave in AC and DC circuits?
In a DC circuit, an inductor initially resists changes in current but eventually behaves like a short circuit.
In an AC circuit, it continuously opposes changes in current, creating inductive reactance that depends on frequency.
5. What factors affect the value of an inductor?
The inductance value depends on:
- Number of turns in the coil
- Core material (air, ferrite, iron)
- Coil shape and size
- Spacing between turns
