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◉ Science·2 min·Updated Mar 11, 2026

What is Inductance?

Inductance

Quick Answer

Inductance is a property of an electrical circuit that allows it to store energy in a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it. It is measured in henries and is crucial in understanding how electrical devices work, especially in circuits involving coils or inductors.

Overview

Inductance occurs when an electric current passes through a wire, creating a magnetic field around it. This magnetic field can induce a voltage in the same wire or in nearby wires when the current changes. This phenomenon is essential in many electrical applications, such as transformers and electric motors, where controlling current and voltage is critical for efficiency and performance. The concept of inductance is often illustrated with an inductor, which is a coil of wire. When current flows through the inductor, it generates a magnetic field that stores energy. If the current changes, the magnetic field also changes, inducing a voltage that can either oppose or support the current flow, depending on the direction of the change. This ability to respond to changes in current makes inductors valuable in filtering signals in electronic devices. Understanding inductance is important in physics and engineering because it helps predict how circuits behave under different conditions. For example, in radio transmitters, inductance is used to tune frequencies, allowing the device to send and receive signals effectively. By grasping inductance, engineers can design better circuits that optimize performance and minimize energy loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

The unit of inductance is the henry, abbreviated as H. One henry is defined as the inductance of a circuit in which a change in current of one ampere per second induces a voltage of one volt.
Inductance affects electrical circuits by opposing changes in current. When the current through an inductor changes, it induces a voltage that can either resist or assist the change, which can lead to various behaviors in the circuit, such as oscillations or delays.
Inductors are found in many everyday devices, such as power supplies, radios, and electric motors. They are used to filter signals, store energy, and manage current flow, making them essential components in modern electronics.