When we apply AC to an inductor

In summary, when alternating current is applied to an inductor with pure inductance, the current will lag behind the applied voltage by 90 degrees. This is due to the equation v=L\frac{d i}{d t}, where the rate of change of current is proportional to the voltage produced. In more complex current variations, the resulting voltage will not simply be a time-shifted version of the current variation.
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phydis
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"when we apply AC to an inductor (pure inductance), the current will lag the applied voltage by 90 degrees. "

how this happens? why current lags applied voltage by 90 degrees? :confused:
 
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the equation governing this phenomenon is [itex]v=L\frac{d i}{d t}[/itex] if me put [itex]v(t)=V_{0}cos wt[/itex] an solve the differential equation we get the answer to your question
 
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  • #3
phydis said:
"when we apply AC to an inductor (pure inductance), the current will lag the applied voltage by 90 degrees. "

how this happens? why current lags applied voltage by 90 degrees? :confused:

There is a voltage produced as the current in an inductor changes and that voltage depends upon the rate of change of current. If the current is varying as as cosine, then the rate of change will vary as a sine function.
This is just re-stating the above explanation but avoiding using any explicit Maths, which can bring on the pains for some people. :wink: However, calculus is a great way of describing many processes and makes it possible to get more useful answers than words can, on their own.
If the current varies in a more complicated way then the resulting voltage version will not, of course, just be a time-shifted version of the current variation.
 
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FAQ: When we apply AC to an inductor

1. What happens when we apply AC to an inductor?

When an alternating current (AC) is applied to an inductor, the inductor will resist the change in current by inducing a voltage in the opposite direction. This is known as self-inductance and is the basis for how inductors function in circuits.

2. How does an inductor affect the frequency of an AC signal?

An inductor will have a higher impedance (resistance to current flow) at higher frequencies, meaning it will be more difficult for current to flow through it. This can result in a phase shift, where the voltage and current in the inductor are not in sync, which can affect the overall frequency of the AC signal.

3. What is the purpose of using an inductor in an AC circuit?

Inductors are commonly used in AC circuits for a variety of purposes, including filtering out unwanted frequencies, stabilizing voltage levels, and controlling the flow of current. They can also be used in combination with capacitors to create resonant circuits for specific frequency applications.

4. How does the size and shape of an inductor affect its performance?

The size and shape of an inductor can impact its inductance, which is a measure of its ability to store energy in a magnetic field. Generally, a larger inductor will have a higher inductance and can handle more current, while a smaller inductor may have lower inductance and be more suitable for higher frequency applications.

5. Can an inductor be used in DC circuits as well?

Yes, inductors can also be used in DC circuits, although their behavior will differ from when they are used in AC circuits. In DC circuits, an inductor will act as a short circuit until the current reaches a steady state, at which point it will act as an open circuit. This can be useful in smoothing out fluctuations in the DC current.

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