Inductors Explained - The basics how inductors work working principle

Summary

This video from TheEngineeringMindset.com explores the function and importance of inductors in electrical circuits. It explains how inductors store energy in a magnetic field and release it quickly, using the analogy of water flow and a water wheel to illustrate their operation. The video also covers the physical appearance of inductors, their applications in circuits like boost converters and transformers, and the measurement of inductance in Henry. It concludes with a call to action for further learning and engagement on social media.

Takeaways

• 🧲 An inductor is a component that stores energy in a magnetic field and can release it quickly.
• ⚡ Electricity can be dangerous, so only qualified individuals should handle electrical work.
• 🔁 Inductors are used in a variety of circuits due to their energy storage and quick release capabilities.
• 💧 The analogy of water flow through pipes helps explain how inductors work, with a water wheel representing the inductor.
• 🔌 When current starts flowing, an inductor resists the change and creates a back EMF, trying to maintain constant current.
• 💡 Inductors are used in circuits alongside resistive loads to maintain current flow even when the power is interrupted.
• 🌀 The magnetic field around a wire increases with current and collapses when the current is cut, converting magnetic energy back into electrical energy.
• 🔌 Inductors don't like current changes; they oppose increases and decreases in current flow.
• 📊 An oscilloscope can visually demonstrate how inductors resist changes in current, with a gradual rise and fall compared to a resistor's immediate response.
• 🔩 Inductors come in various forms, often appearing as coiled wire on circuit boards, and are represented by specific symbols in engineering drawings.
• 🔩 They are used in boost converters, AC chokes, filtering, and in devices like transformers, motors, and relays.
• 📏 Inductance is measured in Henry (H), with a higher number indicating greater energy storage and a slower build-up of the magnetic field.

Q & A

What is an inductor and what is its primary function?

An inductor is a component in an electrical circuit that stores energy in its magnetic field and can release this energy almost instantly. Its primary function is to store and quickly release energy, which is important in various types of circuits.

How does the analogy of water flow with a pump and pipes relate to inductors in an electrical circuit?

In the analogy, the pump represents the battery, the pipes represent wires, and the water wheel represents the inductor. The water wheel takes time to get up to speed, similar to how an inductor resists changes in current flow, eventually allowing the water (current) to flow through it more easily once it's spinning.

What happens when the current in a circuit with an inductor is turned off?

When the current is turned off, the inductor, due to its inertia, continues to push electrons around in a loop, acting like a pump. This keeps the current flowing through the circuit for a short duration until resistance dissipates the energy.

How does an inductor behave when connected in parallel with a resistive load like a lamp?

Initially, electrons flow through the lamp, but as the inductor's resistance decreases, more current flows through the inductor, eventually causing the lamp to turn off. When power is disconnected, the inductor pushes electrons through the lamp, lighting it up temporarily.

What is the physical representation of a magnetic field around a wire carrying current?

The magnetic field around a wire carrying current can be visualized by placing compasses around the wire. When current passes, the compasses move and align with the magnetic field, indicating its presence and direction.

How does the magnetic field change when the current through a wire is reversed?

When the direction of the current is reversed, the magnetic field also reverses, causing compasses to align in the opposite direction, demonstrating the relationship between current direction and magnetic field orientation.

What is the effect of wrapping a wire into a coil on the magnetic field?

When a wire is wrapped into a coil, each turn of the wire produces a magnetic field that merges together to form one large, more powerful magnetic field, increasing the overall magnetic field strength.

Why do inductors resist changes in current?

Inductors resist changes in current because they prefer a steady state. When current increases, they create an opposing force (back EMF) to try to stop the increase. Conversely, when current decreases, they push electrons out to maintain the current.

How can the behavior of inductors be visualized using an oscilloscope?

An oscilloscope can show the effects of inductors by displaying a gradual increase in current when current is applied, and a gradual decrease when current is stopped, as opposed to the instant changes seen with resistors.

What are some practical applications of inductors?

Inductors are used in boost converters to increase DC output voltage, in filtering to separate different frequencies, in transformers, motors, and relays, and to choke AC supply to allow only DC to pass.

How is inductance measured and what units are used?

Inductance is measured in units called Henry (H). The higher the inductance value, the more energy the inductor can store. An RLC meter is used for accurate measurement of inductance, as standard multimeters may not provide precise results.