Inductors and 'path of least resistance'

In summary, the wire in an inductor is not insulated from the other turns in the wire because electricity will take the path of least resistance and go straight across the inductor, rather than going around each turn. If the wire was insulated, the inductor would be a cylindrical shell rather than a solenoid. However, the wire used for inductor windings is typically coated in enamel to prevent the turns from touching and causing a short circuit.
  • #1
Pythagorean
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Why is the wire in an inductor not insulated from the other turns in the wire? Or rather, why isn't it necessary?

We learn that the electricity will take the path of least resistance, so why would it bother going around each turn when it can just skim straight across the inductor and leave the opposite terminal?
 
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  • #2
Pythagorean said:
Why is the wire in an inductor not insulated from the other turns in the wire? Or rather, why isn't it necessary?
Are you certain about that? Otherwise the the inductor would be simply a cylindrical shell rather than a solenoid as commonly portrayed.
 
  • #3
Defennder said:
Are you certain about that? Otherwise the the inductor would be simply a cylindrical shell rather than a solenoid as commonly portrayed.

If they are insulated, the insulation is copper colored and feels metallic.

Here in one of the pictures:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductor

I can see on one of the inductors that it is, in fact, a coating.
 
  • #4

FAQ: Inductors and 'path of least resistance'

What is an inductor and how does it work?

An inductor is an electrical component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. It consists of a coil of wire, usually wrapped around a core, and when current flows through the coil, a magnetic field is generated. This magnetic field resists changes in current, causing the inductor to oppose any changes in the current flow.

What is the symbol for an inductor and how is it represented in a circuit diagram?

The symbol for an inductor is a series of curved lines representing the coil and a straight line perpendicular to the coil representing the core. In a circuit diagram, an inductor is represented by the letter "L" and the value of the inductance is typically indicated next to the symbol.

What is the unit of measurement for inductance?

The unit of measurement for inductance is the henry (H), named after scientist Joseph Henry. It is equivalent to one volt-second per ampere (V-s/A) and is a relatively large unit, so inductance is often measured in smaller units such as millihenry (mH) or microhenry (µH).

How does an inductor affect the flow of current in a circuit?

An inductor resists changes in current flow, so it can cause a delay or "lag" in the current when first turned on. This is known as inductive reactance and is represented by the symbol "XL". Additionally, inductors can act as filters, blocking or passing certain frequencies of current depending on their value and placement in a circuit.

What is the "path of least resistance" and how does it relate to inductors?

The "path of least resistance" refers to the flow of electricity through a circuit, where the current will take the path with the least amount of resistance. In the case of inductors, they can affect the path of least resistance by resisting changes in current flow and causing the current to take a longer path to reach its destination. This can result in a voltage drop and can impact the overall performance of a circuit.

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