Inductor coils can store energy

How do inductors store energy?

Like a capacitor, inductors store energy. But unlike capacitors that store energy as an electric field, inductors store their energy as a magnetic field. If we pass a current through an inductor we induce a magnetic field in the coil. The coil will store that energy until the current is turned off.

What is an electrical inductor?

An inductor (also known as an electrical inductor) is defined as a two-terminal passive electrical element that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field when electric current flows through it. It is also called a coil, chokes, or reactor. An inductor is simply a coil of wire.

How do inductors work?

As seen below, inductors, like capacitors, can use a variety of core materials to change the properties and effectiveness of the coil. The coils ability to store magnetic energy is called inductance and is measured in Henry’s. In most cases we talk in terms of micro-Henry’s or uH.

What happens if you pass a current through an inductor?

If we pass a current through an inductor we induce a magnetic field in the coil. The coil will store that energy until the current is turned off. Once the current is gone, or diminished, the magnetic field collapses and the coil returns the stored energy.

Do pure inductors dissipate or consume energy?

Pure inductors do not dissipate or consume energy. The only resistance is capable of converting electrical energy to heat energy. Pure inductors only store energy when electric current flows through them. We can say that energy is stored in the magnetic field of the inductor.

When does the energy stored by an inductor stop increasing?

The energy stored by the inductor increases only while the current is building up to its steady-state value. When the current in a practical inductor reaches its steady-state value of Im = E/R, the magnetic field ceases to expand.