Inductance

Inductance is a property of an electrical circuit that opposes a change in the electric current flowing through it. It is a fundamental concept in electromagnetism, and its effects are utilized in many types of electrical devices.

Definition

The inductance of a circuit, denoted by the letter L, is defined as the ratio of the magnetic flux Φ linking the circuit to the current I flowing through it: L = Φ/I. The unit of inductance is the henry (H), named after the American scientist Joseph Henry.

Physical interpretation

Inductance is a measure of the amount of magnetic field produced by a current in a circuit. A circuit with high inductance will produce a strong magnetic field for a given current, and will therefore oppose changes in current more strongly.

Types of inductance

There are two types of inductance: self-inductance and mutual inductance. Self-inductance is the property of a circuit to oppose changes in current within itself, while mutual inductance is the property of a circuit to oppose changes in current in a nearby circuit.

Applications

Inductance is a key concept in the design of many types of electrical devices, including transformers, inductors, and electric motors. These devices use the properties of inductance to convert electrical energy into magnetic energy, and vice versa.

See also

• Electromagnetic induction
• Magnetic field
• Electric current
• Electromagnetism

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  Waveforms showing inductive reactance
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  Mutually inducting inductors
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  Mutual inductance equivalent circuit
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  Mutual inductance pi equivalent circuit