Back to: ELECTRONICS
Inductors are small parts that you’ll often find inside electrical devices. They usually look like coils of wire, like a spring or a twisted wire. These coils are special because they can store energy in a magnetic field when electricity flows through them. Imagine them as little energy holders that help guide the flow of electricity in the right direction.
Photo credit: freepik.com
How Do They Work?
Here’s how inductors work:
- When electricity moves through the coil of wire, it creates an invisible magnetic field around it, sort of like how a magnet can pull things toward it.
- If the electricity is flowing steadily, the magnetic field is stable.
- But if the electricity starts to change or stop suddenly, the magnetic field pushes back to keep the electricity flowing smoothly. This happens because the inductor doesn’t want the flow to change too quickly, and it “fights” to keep the current steady.
- This ability to resist sudden changes helps keep the circuits in balance, making sure the electricity flows evenly and without big jumps or drops.
Photo credit: makeagif.com
Where Are They Used?
Inductors are used in many different devices to help with controlling electricity. Here are some places where you’ll find them:
- Power Supplies: Inductors help keep the electricity flowing at a steady level. They are like traffic controllers, making sure the current is stable and doesn’t get too high or too low.
- Radio Circuits: Inductors help send out and receive radio signals, like the ones that bring music to your radio. They help keep the signals clear and strong.
- Filters: In some devices, inductors help clean up electrical signals, removing any “noise” or unwanted signals that could make the device not work right. Think of them like filters that remove dirt from the air.
In short, inductors are important because they help store energy, smooth out electricity, and keep the circuits working smoothly. Without them, things like radios, computers, and even phones might not work properly!