Why Does an Inductor Store Energy After No Current?

In summary, an inductor is an electrical component made of a coil of wire that is used to store energy in the form of a magnetic field. It stores energy due to its ability to create a magnetic field, and this energy can be released by reconnecting the circuit or through an effect called inductive kick. The amount of energy stored in an inductor is influenced by factors such as the number of turns in the coil, the core material, and the current flowing through it.
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fight_club_alum
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Screen Shot 2019-11-05 at 5.45.47 AM.jpg

I calculated all the required in this problem correctly but can't understand why the sum of energy extracted and absorbed is not zero.
They are:
>0: 0J
0 <=E<=25: 4t^2 J
25 <= E <= 50: 4t^2 - 0.4t + 10 * 10^-3t J
E > 50: 0 J

Does that mean that an inductor stores energy even after there is no current?
Thanks

[Moderator's note: Moved from a technical forum and thus no template.]
 
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  • #2
fight_club_alum said:
25 <= E <= 50: 4t^2 - 0.4t + 10 * 10^-3t J
Check your working.

The energy stored in an inductor depends only on the present instantaneous value of its current. So when current = 0, no energy is stored.
 
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FAQ: Why Does an Inductor Store Energy After No Current?

1. What is an inductor?

An inductor is an electronic component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. It is made up of a coil of wire and is commonly used in circuits to regulate the flow of electricity.

2. Why does an inductor store energy?

An inductor stores energy because of the magnetic field that is created when current flows through its coil. This magnetic field has the ability to store energy, much like a battery.

3. How does an inductor store energy after no current?

When current stops flowing through an inductor, the magnetic field collapses. This collapsing field induces a voltage in the inductor, which in turn, creates a current that continues to flow through the inductor. This current keeps the magnetic field active and therefore, the inductor continues to store energy.

4. Why is it important for an inductor to store energy?

Inductors are important in circuits because they help regulate the flow of electricity. They can store and release energy, which can be useful in smoothing out the flow of current and preventing voltage spikes.

5. How does the stored energy in an inductor affect a circuit?

The stored energy in an inductor can affect a circuit in a few ways. It can help regulate the flow of current, which is important for the proper functioning of the circuit. It can also cause delays in the flow of current, which can be useful in certain applications such as in oscillators or filters.

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