How Does Inductor Behavior Affect Resultant Current and Circuit Protection?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of inductors in electrical circuits, particularly focusing on the resultant current when an induced current is present, the dependence of inductance on current, and the protective functions of inductors during sudden changes in current. The scope includes theoretical concepts and practical implications related to inductors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to determine the resultant current when a power supply current and an induced current are present, specifically if they should be added or subtracted depending on their directions.
  • Another participant clarifies that the inductance is a function of physical characteristics and challenges the interpretation of the formula involving current, suggesting that it may be misinterpreted.
  • There is a mention of Lenz's law in relation to the protective function of inductors, with one participant suggesting that inductors, when used as chokes, help manage sudden changes in current.
  • One participant provides a formula for self-inductance and discusses the induced voltage across a coil, referencing Faraday's law and the concept of magnetic circuits.
  • Another participant expresses disagreement with the assumption of opposite current directions, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of inductor behavior and providing external resources for further reading.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the directionality of currents in inductors and the interpretation of inductance. There is no consensus on these points, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight potential misinterpretations of inductance and current relationships, as well as the geometric and physical dependencies of inductance, but these aspects remain open for further clarification.

bolei
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Hi there, I am new to here, and I bring some questions here too, hope can be solved here~
(1)if one loop that essentially has a current by power supply, meanwhile it is experienced a induced current too, then what's the resultant current? add them or what?
(2)as you know, Inductance L = somesomething/I, does it depend on I, well, obviously yes if we judge from the formula, but one textbook said it doesn't depend on I, so just want to ensure this.
(3)an extra question...hehe...be patient please...
as we know, one function of inductor is that it can give a protection while the current suddenly changed, why?
Cheers guys!
 
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Hi bolei and welcome to PF.

(1) Do you know the direction of the induced current?

(2) The inductance is a function of the physical characteristics, much like how capacitance is function of the geometrical and physical characteristics of the capacitor. That "somesomething/I"; people will misinterpret when you say I, as this is the symbol for current, in this case I take it you meant to say length of the solenoid?

(3) I believe when implemented to do this function, they are called chokes. You should read up on Lenz's law. This is partially related to (1).
 
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sorry for the misinterpretation ranger, for question1, let's say they are running to different direction, for question 2,L = NA/I where N is the number of turns, A is the magnetic flux and I is the current.
Thx again!
 
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[tex]L = \frac{NA}{i} =\frac{\lambda}{i}[/tex] here is called the self-inductance. Induced voltage across a N-turn coil is by Faraday's law:
[tex]v=\frac{d (NA)}{dt} = N\frac{dA}{dt}=N\frac{d}{dt}(\mathcal{P} N i) = N^2\mathcal{P} \frac{di}{dt}=L\frac{di}{dt}[/tex]
here [tex]\mathcal{P}[/tex] is the permeance of space occupied by the flux which just describes the magnetic properties of this space. in some text it is also called the "reluctance of a path for magnetic flux". This concept is usefull in Magnetic circuits (analogous with the electric circuit where there is V=IR) from above you can see that
[tex]L=\frac{N^2}{\mathcal{P}}[/tex]
 
bolei said:
sorry for the misinterpretation ranger, for question1, let's say they are running to different direction, for question 2,L = NA/I where N is the number of turns, A is the magnetic flux and I is the current.
Thx again!

(1) I don't like the way you are assuming a different current direction. This shows that you have not quite grasped the concepts of how an inductor really works; I have provided a link that may help you. However, generally speaking, if we have a component and we have opposite directional currents flowing through it, they will subtract. But with regards to your inductor question, read this:
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/chpt_3/2.html

(2) http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/indsol.html#c1
Its purely geometric and physical.
 

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