An inductor is a passive 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 circuits to control the flow of current.
When current flows through an inductor, it creates a magnetic field around the coil. This magnetic field increases as the current increases and decreases as the current decreases.
The voltage across an inductor is directly proportional to the rate of change of current through the inductor. This relationship is known as Faraday's law of induction and can be represented by the equation V = L di/dt, where V is voltage, L is inductance, and di/dt is the change in current over time.
An inductor resists changes in current flow, which means it can cause current to lag behind voltage changes. This property is known as inductive reactance and is represented by the symbol XL. It is measured in ohms and depends on the frequency of the current and the inductance of the coil.
Inductors are commonly used in electronic devices such as radios, televisions, and computers. They are also used in power supplies, filters, and tuning circuits. Inductors are also an essential component in motors, generators, and transformers.