How can we define a Q-factor for an inductor alone?

[Dominique]

Hi all,

For a resonant system, there is usually a transfer of energy into another kind of energy back an forth (kinetic to potential; electric to magnetic, etc). for an LC tank or an RLC circuit, we know that the energy is transferred from as an electric field between the capacitor's plate to a magnetic field around an inductor coil.

But, how come we can define a q-factor for an inductor alone?

Thank you very much for your help :)

 

[f95toli]

You can't.
The Q-factor is a measure of how closely a real inductor comes to behaving like an ideal inductor; an ideal inductor would have an infinite Q at all frequencies but real inductors are made from resistive wire etc so there are always losses.

 

[waht]

You can define a Q-factor for many situations where oscillation occurs.

Inductors, and capacitors have a Q when are subjected to AC. It sort of is a measure of deviation from an ideal component as said.

 

[x_goose_x]

But, how come we can define a q-factor for an inductor alone?

As usualy, wikipedia has the answer:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductor#Q_factor"