How to judge whether the inductor stores or releases energy

How does an inductor store energy?

An inductor stores energy in its magnetic field. As the current through the inductor increases, it forces the magnetic lines of force to expand against their natural tendency to shorten. This expansion stores energy in the magnetic field, similar to how a rubber band stores energy when stretched.

How is the energy stored in an inductor calculated?

The energy stored in the magnetic field of an inductor can be written as E = 0.5 * L * I^2, where L is the inductance and I is the current flowing through the inductor.

How does a current change in an inductor?

As the current in an inductor changes, so does its stored energy. When the current increases, the inductor absorbs energy from the circuit. When the current decreases, it releases energy back. The energy builds up while the current is rising to its steady-state value. Once the current stabilizes, the energy remains constant.

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.

What are inductors used for?

Inductors are passive electronic components that store energy in their magnetic field when an electric current flows through them. They are often used in electrical and electronic circuits to oppose changes in current, filter signals, and store energy.

How is energy stored in an inductor proportional to its inductance?

This formula shows that the energy stored in an inductor is directly proportional to its inductance and the square of the current flowing through it. If the current through the inductor is constant, the energy stored remains constant as well.