what is inductor in electronics

An inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it. It is also known as a coil, choke, or reactor. An inductor typically consists of an insulated wire wound into a coil, much like a resistor. Many inductors have a magnetic core made of iron or ferrite inside the coil, which serves to increase the magnetic field and thus the inductance. Inductors help to handle fluctuations in an electric current running through a circuit by using the relationship between the electric current and magnetic field to compensate for changes in the currents flow. When the current begins to pass through the inductors coil, the magnetic field starts to expand until it finally stabilizes. Until then, the coil inhibits the flow of current. After the magnetic field stabilizes, the current flows through the coil normally. Inductors are primarily used in electrical power and electronic devices for various purposes, such as storing energy, controlling electric spikes, and filtering current surges or spikes. They are widely used in alternating current (AC) electronic equipment, particularly in radio equipment, and are used to block AC while allowing DC to pass; inductors designed for this purpose are called chokes.