What happens when voltage is applied to an inductor?

Inductors work on the principle of magnetism that stores the energy from the current in the form of a magnetic field. A magnetic field is developed in the inductor when a voltage is applied across the terminals of an inductor.

Do inductors drop voltage?

There will be a voltage across an inductor as the current in the inductor changes. Once the current reaches its steady-state value it will have zero voltage drop, because the current will not be changing.

Why does the voltage across the inductor decrease over time?

The voltage across the inductor is proportional to the rate of change of current which is a maximum at the start when the current and the voltage across the resistor are zero. As time progresses the current increases at a slower rate as does the voltage across the resistor but the voltage across the inductor decreases.

Why does voltage lead current?

In circuits with primarily inductive loads, current lags the voltage. This happens because in an inductive load, it is the induced electromotive force that causes the current to flow. Note that in the definition above, the current is produced by the voltage.

How is voltage across an inductor related to current?

This says the voltage across an inductor is proportional to the rate of change of the current through the inductor. Since the current source provides a constant current, the rate of change, or slope, of the current is . If a constant current flows in an inductor, then , so there is zero voltage across the inductor.

What does it mean when an inductor has zero voltage?

Zero voltage means an inductor with constant current looks like a short circuit, the same as a plain wire. Even if the current really big, like , if it is constant, the voltage across the inductor is still volts. Now let’s connect an inductor to an ideal constant voltage source and see what the inductor equation tells us.

What does the inductor equation tell us?

The inductor equation tells us: This says the voltage across an inductor is proportional to the rate of change of the current through the inductor. Since the current source provides a constant current, the rate of change, or slope, of the current is. (everybody knows doesn’t change with time)

How does an inductor block a current?

An inductor can oppose or block the passage of alternating current through it. The inductor either acquires the charge or loses the charge. The current across the inductor changes to equalize the current passing through it. The voltage in an inductor can be measured as the amount of electromotive force (EMF) generated for the change of current.