Inductors are passive electronic components that have several important functions in electrical circuits. Heres what inductors do:
-
Develop Electromotive Force: When a fluctuating current flows through an inductor, it develops electromotive force in the direction that reduces the fluctuation. This means that inductors help to stabilize and regulate the flow of current in a circuit.
-
Store Electric Energy as Magnetic Energy: Inductors store electrical energy in the form of magnetic energy. This stored energy can be released almost instantly, making inductors useful for various applications in electrical circuits.
-
Resist Changes in Current: Inductors resist changes in current. When the current through an inductor changes, a voltage is created across its terminals that opposes this change.
-
Filtering: Inductors are used to divide necessary signals and unnecessary signals in a circuit, making them useful for filtering purposes.
-
Allow DC Current to Flow Easily: Inductors allow direct current (DC) to flow easily while presenting high resistance against the flow of high-frequency currents.
-
Applications in Power Supplies: Inductors are commonly used in power supplies, for example, to create buck or boost converters.
In summary, inductors play a crucial role in regulating current flow, storing energy, and filtering signals in electrical circuits, making them essential components in various electronic devices and systems.
