How do Toroids work, and What are they used for?

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In summary, Toroids are a type of shape that can be used for various purposes, including as washers, bangles, and rings. In the realm of electricity and magnetism, they are often used as inductors or "round solenoids." They work by blocking transmission of fast changing signals and are commonly referred to as choke coils. They have various real-life applications such as blocking noise, being used in transformers, current transformers, antenna balums, line filters, and even in core memory for storing data bits. They can also be packaged with capacitors or used discretely as line filters.
  • #1
Triangulum
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How do Toroids (inductors) work, and What are they used for (in electronics and/or other physics applications)?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
They're used for lots of things: washers, bangles, rings on fingers; it's just a shape, like 'square' is.
 
  • #3
Triangulum said:
How do Toroids work, and What are they used for?

Thanks

Are you thinking of toroidal magnets?
 
  • #4
Sorry for not specifying, but I meant Toroids as in the electricity and magnetism part of physics, such as an inductor or a "round solenoid."

Thanks
 
  • #5
A toroidal ferrite core with wire wound on it is called a choke in EE.
Try wikipedia (and an old PC power supply); do you understand induction?
 
  • #6
I understand induction, but I can't think of any real-life applications of when a toroid would be useful.
 
  • #7
Hmm, well, choke coils are fairly ubiquitous, see what a choke does and see if it looks useful.
 
  • #8
Triangulum said:
I understand induction, but I can't think of any real-life applications of when a toroid would be useful.

An inductor blocks transmission of a fast changing signal such as external interference on a wire.
They are normally only called chokes when they are inductors in circuit.
 
  • #9
It depends on the application, and frequency domain where the material can be powdered iron, or wound soft steel tape, or ferrite.

In small, bead form, on a wire, torroids block noise. Toroidal cores are even used in 60Hz transformers where a low profile is a requirement. Current transformers, antenna balums, and line filters are some uses. Way back when, square BH core material toroids were used to store data bits (core memory).

Packaged with a couple capacitors, or used discretely, they are commonly used as line filters.
 
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1. What is a toroid and how does it work?

A toroid is a geometric shape that resembles a doughnut. It is formed by rotating a circle around a central axis. In scientific terms, a toroid is a three-dimensional surface with a hole in the center. In terms of how it works, a toroid is used to create a magnetic field due to its unique shape and the flow of electrical current through it. This magnetic field is used for various purposes in scientific and technological applications.

2. What are some common uses of toroids?

Toroids have a wide range of uses in various fields such as electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics. Some common applications of toroids include creating electromagnets for industrial use, designing transformers in power distribution systems, and studying magnetic fields in particle accelerators. They are also commonly used in electronic devices like televisions, computers, and audio amplifiers.

3. How do toroids differ from other shapes used to create magnetic fields?

One key difference between toroids and other shapes used to create magnetic fields is that toroids have a closed magnetic field, meaning that the magnetic field lines loop around inside the toroid and do not escape. This makes them more efficient for creating strong and concentrated magnetic fields. Additionally, the shape of a toroid allows for a more compact design compared to other shapes, making it useful in applications where space is limited.

4. Can toroids be used for applications other than creating magnetic fields?

Yes, toroids have uses beyond creating magnetic fields. Due to their unique shape and properties, they are also used in various fields such as mathematics, geometry, and architecture. For example, toroids are used in architecture to create efficient and visually appealing structures like domes and arches. In mathematics, toroids are studied as a type of three-dimensional surface, similar to spheres and cylinders.

5. Are there any limitations to using toroids?

While toroids have many practical applications, they also have some limitations. One limitation is that the magnetic field created by a toroid is not adjustable, unlike other shapes such as solenoids. Additionally, toroids can only create a magnetic field in one direction, making them unsuitable for applications that require a magnetic field in multiple directions. Finally, the shape and design of a toroid can also limit its use in certain applications, as it may not fit or be suitable for the desired purpose.

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