Uses of Inductor: Definition, Functions, Important Questions

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Inductor is a passive component that is used in many electronic circuits in order to store magnetic energy when electric current flows through it. It is also known as a coil or a reactor. It is characterized by its inductance which is the ratio of the voltage to the rate of change of current. Inductance is a case of a current-carrying closed-loop that produces an electromagnetic field to oppose any change in the current flowing through it. Uses of inductor range from being used as filters, transformers, and in a choke.

Key Terms: Inductor, Inductance, Conductors, Resistors, Capacitors, Voltage, Electric current, Electronic circuit, transformers, Electromagnetic field


What is Inductor?

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Inductors, like conductors and resistors, are essential components of electrical devices that serve specific functions. Inductors are coil-like devices that are commonly seen in electrical circuits. To make the coil, an insulated wire is coiled around the central core. Inductors decrease or control electric spikes by temporarily holding energy in an electromagnetic field and then releasing it back into the circuit. 

Inductor

  • An inductor is not the same as a capacitor. A capacitor stores energy as electrical energy, whereas an inductor stores energy as magnetic energy.
  • The inductor's polarity varies when it discharges.
  • Inductors have various uses in tuning circuits, sensors, Induction motors, transformers, filters, chokes, ferrite beads, and being used as relays
  • The SI unit of Inductance is Henry and is represented by the symbol H.
  • One Henry is equal to one-kilogram meter squared per second squared per ampere squared  kgm2s-2A-2

The video below explains this:

Self Inductance and Inductor Detailed Video Explanation:

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Uses of Inductor

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Inductors have a wide range of applications and purposes. The use of inductors depends on our needs. So, here are some examples of applications of inductor:

Use of Inductor in Tuning Circuits  

The tuning circuits can select the desired frequency with the use of inductors.

  • Capacitors and inductors are used in various electronic devices, such as radio tuning circuits.
  • This is done to adjust the frequency and pick desired multiple frequency channels.

Sensors

The inductive proximity sensor is a contactless sensor that is exceptionally reliable in operation.

  • The main principle behind being used as sensors is inductance.
  • In inductance, the magnetic field in the coil opposes the flow of electric current.
  • In traffic signals, proximity sensors are employed to detect traffic density.

Energy Storage

The energy is stored as a magnetic field when the power supply is disconnected.

  • Inductors can store energy for a short amount of time or temporarily (functions just like electromagnets).
  • Inductor applications can be found in computer circuits that switch power suppliers.

In Transformers

A transformer can be formed with the combination of several inductors and a shared magnetic field.

  • One of the transformer's most important applications is in power transmission networks.
  • Step down/step-up transformers are used to decrease or increase the power transfer accordingly.

In Induction Motors

The shaft in the induction motor will rotate due to the presence of the magnetic field that is produced as a result of the alternating current.

  • The motor’s speed can be fixed as per the frequency of the supply of power from the source.
  • The use of inductors can be done to control the speed of motors.

As Filters

Filters are created by combining inductors and capacitors.

  • The input signal frequency as it enters the circuit is limited by using these filters.
  • The impedance of the inductor increases as the frequency of supply increases.

Relays

Relays function as electrical switches. When the switch comes into contact with the flow of AC current, an inductor coil is used and a magnetic field is formed.

In Choke

Current flows in the opposite direction through inductors when AC current runs through them.

  • As a result, the inductor chokes the AC current flow while allowing the DC current to flow freely.
  • This mechanism can be found in the power source, which converts AC current to DC current.

Ferrite Beads 

Ferrite beads are used in computer parts and mobile phone charging connections. The usage of inductors in ferrite beads helps to reduce the frequency of the radio interface created by the cable.

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Functions of an Inductor

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There are two primary functions for inductors.

  • Controlling signals – An inductor's coils can be utilized in controlling the signals. The frequency of the current going through the inductor determines its function. For example, higher frequency signals will pass more slowly than lower frequency signals and vice versa. This function specifies that the AC is blocked and the DC is given. As a result, it can be used to suppress AC signals.
  • Energy storage –  An inductor is a device that stores energy as magnetic energy. The feature that an electric current traveling through a coil produces a magnetic field, which in turn has an electric current, allows locks to store electrical energy in the form of magnetic energy. Coils provide a mechanism for storing energy based on inductivity.

Previous Year Questions

  1. Two identical circular coils A and B are kept on a horizontal tube side by side… [KCET 2013]
  2. Faraday's laws are consequence of conservation of… [NEET 1991]
  3. The number of Faradays(F) required to produce 20g of… [NEET 2020]
  4. If a transformer of an audio amplifier has output impedance 8000 0 and the speaker has input impedance…...[JCECE 2005]
  5. A conducting loop in the shape of a right angled isosceles triangle of height 10cm10cm is kept such that the 90 vertex is…..[JEE Advance 2016]
  6. A 10m long horizontal wire extends from North East to South West. It is falling with a speed of 5.0ms−1……. [ JEE Main 2019]
  7. If a current of 2.0A2.0A flows through the smaller loop, then the flux linked with bigger loop is…… [JEE Main 2013]
  8. A coil of cross-sectional area A having n turns is placed in a uniform magnetic field B….. [JEE Main 21018]
  9. A copper rod of mass m slides under gravity on two smooth parallel rails, with separation ll and set at an angle of θ with the horizontal….. [JEE Main 2018]
  10. A copper wire is wound on a wooden frame, whose shape is that of an equilateral…. [JEE Main 2019]
  11. A metallic rod of length ll is tied to a string of length 2l and made to rotate with angular speed…. [JEE Main 2013]
  12. A square frame of side 10 cm and a long straight wire carrying current 1 A are in the plane of the paper…. [JEE Main 2014]
  13. If the rod makes n rotations per second, then the time averaged magnetic moment of the rod is… [JEE Main 2019]
  14. Figure shows a circular area of radius R where a uniform magnetic field….
  15. In a coil of resistance 100Ω , a current is induced by changing the magnetic flux through it….. [JEE Main 2017]
  16. When current in a coil changes from 5A  to 2A…. [JEE Main 2015]
  17. Which radiation in sunlight, causes heating effect? 
  18. X -rays are….
  19. Arrange the following in decreasing order of wavelength
  20. Which is having minimum wavelength...[NEET 2002]
  21. The speed of radio-waves is equal to….. [JIPMER 1998]
  22. Gamma rays and visible light waves rays are a,ba,b and cc respectively, then….[UPSEE 2016]
  23. the circular loop of wire is moved with velocity towards the infinite current carrying wire…… [VITEEE 2016]
  24. A conducting wire frame is placed in a magnetic field which is directed into the paper…...[VITEEE 2019]

Things to Remember

  • Inductors are coil-like devices that are commonly used in electrical circuits. 
  • To make the coil, an insulated wire is coiled around the central core.
  • The coils of an Inductor are used in controlling the signals. 
  • The SI unit of Inductance is Henry (H).
  • Inductors are used in Circuits Tuning to get the desired frequency.
  • In traffic signals, proximity sensors are employed to detect traffic density.
  • Filters are formed by combining inductors and capacitors.
  • The inductor chokes the AC current flow and allows the DC current to flow freely.

Read More: Solenoid Engine


Sample Questions

Ques: Explain the relationship between a coil's inductance and the quantity of emf it generates. (1 Mark)

Ans: The induced emf in the circuit is proportional to the inductance value or the rate of change of current.

Ques: Describe the SI unit of inductance. (1 Mark)

Ans: The inductor's SI unit is Henry, which is represented by the symbol H. The MKS unit of Inductor is kgm2s-2A-2 

One Henry equals one-kilogram meter squared per second squared per ampere squared in this context. In terms of mathematics,

1 H is equal to 1 kgm2s-2A-2

Ques: Explain how Inductors are used as Filters. (2 Marks)

Ans: Inductors are commonly used as Filters. Filters are formed by combining inductors and capacitors. The input signal frequency as it enters the circuit is limited by using these filters. The impedance of the inductor increases as the frequency of supply increases.

Ques: How inductance depends on the material? (2 Marks)

Ans: Inductance is a property of all conductors that can have either beneficial or negative consequences in electrical circuits. It depends on the circuit architecture, current path, and magnetic permeability of the materials.

The inductance of a ferromagnetic material is high because a big amount of electric flux or the entire magnetic field produced by a current passing through it raises the inductance in that conductor.

Ques: Mention the factors that affect the inductance of a coil. (2 Marks)

Ans: The factors are that affect the inductance of a coil are:

  • The coil's shape.
  • The wire's number of turns and layers.
  • The amount of space provided between the turns.
  • The core material's permeability.
  • The core's dimensions.

Ques: Define an inductor. (2 Marks)

Ans: Inductors, like conductors and resistors, are basic components of electrical devices that have various functions. Inductors are coil-like devices that are commonly seen in electrical circuits. To make the coil, an insulated wire is coiled around the central core.

Ques: Does the Inductance rely on the material? Explain (3 Marks)

Ans: Yes, The Inductance relies on the Material. All the conductors possess inductance which has positive or negative effects on electrical circuits. It all depends on the geometry of the circuits, current path, and the magnetic permeability of the material. 

For Example, the inductance of ferromagnetic material is very high because the flow of the electric flux is very large in it.

Ques: An inductor 200 mH, capacitor 500 µF, resistor 10 Ω are connected in series with a 100 V variable frequency a.c. source. Calculate the (3 Marks)
(i) frequency at which the power factor of the circuit is unity
(ii) current amplitude at this frequency
(iii) Q-factor

Ans: (i) Power factor will be unity at resonance because then Z = R and cos Φ = \(\frac{R}{Z}\) = 1

\(\begin{aligned} \therefore \quad f_{r} &=\frac{1}{2 \pi \sqrt{L C}} \ldots \text{where,}\ f_{r} = \text{frequency of resonance}\\ &=\frac{1}{2 \pi \sqrt{200 \times 10^{-3} \times 500 \times 10^{-6}}} \mathrm{~Hz} \\ &=\frac{1}{2 \pi \sqrt{10^{5} \times 10^{-9}}} \mathrm{~Hz} \\ &=\frac{1}{2 \pi \times 10^{-2}}=\frac{50}{\pi} \mathrm{Hz} \end{aligned}\)

(ii) \(\mathrm{I}_{0}=\frac{\varepsilon_{0}}{\mathrm{R}}=\frac{\sqrt{2} \varepsilon_{r m s}}{\mathrm{R}}=\frac{1.414 \times 100}{10}=14.14 \mathrm{~A}\)

(iii) Q-factor

\(\quad \begin{aligned} Q &=\frac{1}{R} \sqrt{\frac{L}{C}}=\frac{1}{10} \sqrt{\frac{200 \times 10^{-3}}{500 \times 10^{-6}}} \\ &=\frac{1}{10} \sqrt{\frac{2 \times 10^{-1}}{5 \times 10^{-4}}}=\frac{20}{10}=2 \end{aligned}\)

Ques: Write some of the main uses of Inductor. (3 Marks)

Ans: Inductors have a wide range of applications and purposes. Some of the main uses of Inductors are:

  1. In Circuits Tuning
  2. In Sensors
  3. For Energy Storage
  4. Used in Transformers
  5. Used in a choke
  6. Used in Ferrite Beads

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CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

  • 1.
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      • \( \lambda_d>\lambda_p>\lambda_e \)
      • \( \lambda_e>\lambda_p>\lambda_d \)
      • \( \lambda_p>\lambda_e>\lambda_d \)
      • \( \lambda_e = \lambda_p = \lambda_d \)

    • 2.
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        • 3.
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            • 4.
              A charge \( -6 \mu C \) is placed at the center B of a semicircle of radius 5 cm, as shown in the figure. An equal and opposite charge is placed at point D at a distance of 10 cm from B. A charge \( +5 \mu C \) is moved from point ‘C’ to point ‘A’ along the circumference. Calculate the work done on the charge.
              work done on the charge


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                    • 6.
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                        CBSE CLASS XII Previous Year Papers

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