Self-inductance and inductance

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In summary, a coil with zero resistance labeled with ends a and b has its potential at a higher level at a than at b when a current is passed through it. This could be consistent with either the current increasing and directed from a to b, or decreasing and directed from b to a, depending on whether the potential difference is due to self-induced emf or a battery.
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bennyq
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Homework Statement



A coil with zero resistance has its ends labelled a and b. When a current is passed through the coil the potential at a is higher than the potential at b. Which of the following would be consistent with this situation? (Note, there may be more than one correct alternative.)
A. The current is constant and is directed from a to b.
B. The current is constant and is directed from b to a.
C. The current is increasing and is directed from a to b.
D. The current is decreasing and is directed from a to b.
E. The current is increasing and is directed from b to a.
F. The current is decreasing and is directed from b to a.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



How would you interpret this question, is the potential at the ends labelled a and b from the self induced emf of the coil? Which gives the answer D/E.. Or is it like there is a battery where a is at the higher potential and b is at the lower potential in which case the voltage will start decreasing across the inductor as the current increases? which gives me C/F...
 
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  • #2
The coil has no resistance so the battery drops no potential over it.
 

Related to Self-inductance and inductance

1. What is self-inductance?

Self-inductance is the property of a circuit element, such as a coil, to generate an electromotive force (EMF) in itself when the current flowing through it changes. This EMF opposes the change in current and is the reason for the phenomenon of inductance.

2. What is inductance?

Inductance, also known as mutual inductance, is the property of a circuit element to generate an electromotive force in a nearby circuit when the current in the nearby circuit changes. This phenomenon occurs when two circuits are close enough for the magnetic field of one to influence the other.

3. How is inductance calculated?

Inductance is calculated by dividing the ratio of the magnetic flux through a circuit element to the current flowing through it. It is measured in units of henries (H) and is denoted by the symbol L. The formula for inductance is L = Φ/I, where Φ is the magnetic flux and I is the current.

4. What factors affect inductance?

The factors that affect inductance include the number of turns in a coil, the material of the core, the shape and size of the coil, and the permeability of the material. All of these factors determine the strength of the magnetic field and the amount of inductance generated.

5. How is self-inductance different from mutual inductance?

Self-inductance refers to the generation of an EMF in a circuit element due to a change in the current flowing through it. On the other hand, mutual inductance refers to the generation of an EMF in a nearby circuit due to the changing magnetic field of another circuit. Self-inductance only involves one circuit, while mutual inductance involves two separate circuits.

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