Are inductors so powerful?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of inductors and the magnetic fields they generate, specifically whether these fields are strong enough to inhibit electron movement within the wires of the inductor. The inquiry touches on concepts of electromotive force (EMF), magnetic field strength, and the effects of static versus changing magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether inductors create a magnetic field strong enough to resist electron movement in their wires.
  • Another participant affirms that inductors do experience a counter EMF that opposes changes in current.
  • A participant clarifies that the opposition to the power source is due to the magnetic field created by the coils of the inductor.
  • There is a suggestion that the strength of the magnetic field is not the primary factor, but rather the rate of change of current and the number of turns in the coil.
  • One participant asserts that a static magnetic field does not inhibit current flow, contradicting the idea that placing a magnet near a current-carrying wire would have an effect.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the weak magnetic fields observed in their experiments with inductors and questions how these fields can inhibit electron flow.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effects of magnetic fields on electron movement, particularly regarding the strength and nature of these fields. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the effectiveness of inductors in inhibiting electron flow.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the concepts of counter EMF, magnetic field penetration, and the distinction between static and changing magnetic fields, but do not resolve the implications of these concepts on the original question.

physior
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hello!

are inductors so powerful that the magnetic field generated in their coils to be strong enough to resist the electron movement inside their wire?

I find that hard to accept

any hint?

thanks!
 
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I'm not quite sure what you're asking. Are you asking if inductors really experience a counter EMF that opposes a change in the current flowing through them? If so, then yes, they absolutely do.
 
I am asking if that opposition to the power source that inductors, not "experience" as you say, but CREATE, stems from the creation of a magnetic field due to their coils

I am actually asking, if that magnetic field is strong enough to penetrate the metallic wires and inhibit the flow of the electrons within inductor's wires

with the same principle, if I place a magnet properly (ie. with the appropriate direction), near a wire where a current flows, I will inhibit it!

I find that strange, because I experimented with some inductors and their magnetic field was very weak and I wonder how can this magnetic field inhibit the flow of electrons inside the wires
 
physior said:
I am asking if that opposition to the power source that inductors, not "experience" as you say, but CREATE, stems from the creation of a magnetic field due to their coils

Yes, the coil creates the magnetic field which inhibits the change in current.

physior said:
I am actually asking, if that magnetic field is strong enough to penetrate the metallic wires and inhibit the flow of the electrons within inductor's wires

Any magnetic field will penetrate the conductor, so raw strength has little to do with this. It's more about the rate of change and the number of turns in the coil.

physior said:
with the same principle, if I place a magnet properly (ie. with the appropriate direction), near a wire where a current flows, I will inhibit it!

No, you won't. A magnetic field only creates an EMF when it is changing in strength. A static magnetic field has no effect on the current.

physior said:
I find that strange, because I experimented with some inductors and their magnetic field was very weak and I wonder how can this magnetic field inhibit the flow of electrons inside the wires

Not sure what to tell you. That's just the way it works. If you do the math it will be obvious.
 

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