How to add inductors in series/parallel?

  • Context: High School 
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    Inductors
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the addition of inductors in series and parallel configurations, prompted by a participant's curiosity following a physics test. The scope includes conceptual understanding and technical reasoning related to inductors, as well as references to educational resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how inductors are added in series or parallel, comparing them to resistors.
  • Another participant suggests that inductors and capacitors behave oppositely, stating that inductors store current and add in series.
  • A third participant emphasizes the importance of considering mutual inductance when combining inductors, noting that it can vary based on geometry.
  • One participant critiques a textbook for not adequately covering inductors in series and parallel, while expressing relief that the topic is now clearer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on the treatment of inductors, with some suggesting parallels to capacitors and others highlighting the role of mutual inductance. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach to adding inductors.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed explanations in educational materials and the potential oversight of mutual inductance in discussions about inductors.

ozone
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How to add inductors in series/parallel??

I was curious about this subject after it came up on my last physics test. However my teacher never covered this topic, and it wasn't in my book.

basically I am wondering how inductors get added together when they are in series or parallel.

My best guess was that they model resistors.
 
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the way I always remember it is that inductors and capacitors are opposites

Caps store voltage and add in parallel

Inductors store current and add in series
 


ozone said:
However my teacher never covered this topic, and it wasn't in my book.

Which book is that?

basically I am wondering how inductors get added together when they are in series or parallel.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=series+and+parallel+inductors
 


Whenever you combine inductors, in whatever configuration, you must also include their mutual inductance. It can be of either sign depending on the geometry.
 


Serway and Jewett failed to mention this anywhere as far as I could tell.. It outlined capacitors very well but then it just glanced over how inductors work in parallel/series.

Anyways thanks it makes sense now.
 

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