I don't understand what inductors do

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In summary, the conversation is about an experiment involving an inductor, light bulb, and battery. The question is whether or not the introduction of a metal piece into the coil will affect the intensity of light. It is explained that inductance is the ability to store energy during field growth and that the wire itself has the same resistance in both cases. However, the first case allows for a faster field moment due to the air-core in the coil, while the second case with the metal piece has a slower field moment. Ultimately, there is no difference in the circuits from a final pure DC condition, except for a slightly larger amount of energy stored in fields. The speaker also mentions the use of a diode to see a small flicker
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Hi! Here is probably a simple problem but I can't solve it:

We have an inductor (just a coiled wire) in series with a light bulb, connected to an ideal battery. The light bulb is shining and we measure the intensity of light. Now we introduce a metal piece inside the coil. AFTER the piece is placed inside, we measure the intensity of the light again. Will there be any difference in the intensity of light and why?

Help me please!
 
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Inductance is the ability to store energy during field growth (field moment).

In either case, the wire itself has the same amount of resistance. So, in the end, BOTH cases show the same amount of current flow.

BUT, in the first case, the air-core in the coil allows a faster field moment (lower inductance).
In the second case (with ferrous insert), the circuit current will grow more slowly as the now LARGER inductance takes more time to build it's field.

Except for a slightly larger amount of energy stored in fields, and slightly slower rising of current at switch closure, there is no difference in the circuits from the final PURE DC condition.

If you connect a diode reverse-biased across the far end of the winding and the opposite bulb terminal you can also see a small flicker when you open the switch and the field collepses. The field energy is released a pulse of emf.
 
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Inductors are passive electronic components that store energy in the form of a magnetic field. They are made up of a coiled wire or other conductor, and their main purpose is to resist changes in current flow. When a current passes through an inductor, it creates a magnetic field that opposes any changes in the current. This property of inductors is known as inductance.

In the scenario you described, introducing a metal piece inside the coil will change the inductance of the inductor. This is because the metal piece will interact with the magnetic field and affect the current flow. As a result, the intensity of the light may change.

To understand this better, imagine the inductor as a water tank and the current as water flowing in and out of the tank. When the metal piece is introduced, it is like adding a barrier inside the tank, which will affect the flow of water. This change in flow will then affect the intensity of the light.

I hope this explanation helps. If you have any further questions, please let me know. Remember, inductors are important components in electronic circuits and understanding their behavior is crucial for designing and troubleshooting circuits. Keep practicing and you will soon become more comfortable with them. Good luck!
 

1. What is an inductor?

An inductor is an electronic component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. It is typically made of a coil of wire and is used in many electronic devices.

2. How does an inductor work?

When an electrical current flows through an inductor, it creates a magnetic field around the coil. This magnetic field stores energy and resists any changes in the current, making it an essential component in circuits that require stable currents.

3. What is the purpose of an inductor?

Inductors are used in electronic circuits to regulate the flow of current and filter out unwanted frequencies. They are also used in power supplies to smooth out the output voltage and in motors to control the speed and torque.

4. How is an inductor different from a capacitor?

An inductor stores energy in the form of a magnetic field, while a capacitor stores energy in the form of an electric field. Inductors are typically used in circuits that require stable currents, while capacitors are used in circuits that require stable voltages.

5. What are some common applications of inductors?

Inductors are commonly used in power supplies, filters, amplifiers, and oscillators. They are also used in electronic components like transformers, motors, and sensors. In addition, inductors are used in wireless charging systems and in radio frequency (RF) circuits for communication devices.

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