What term describes the ability to store energy in a magnetic field?

What term describes the ability to store energy in a magnetic field?

• A. Capacitance
• B. Energy
• C. Inductance
• D. Current

Answer: (C)

Inductance is the term used to describe the ability to store energy in a magnetic field. When an electric current flows through a coil of wire or in the presence of a magnetic field, it generates a magnetic field around the conductor. The energy that is stored in this magnetic field can be released when the current changes, thus reflecting the fundamental principle behind inductance. To understand this concept better, think about how inductors—components that take advantage of inductance—function in electrical circuits. They resist changes in current due to their ability to store energy in the magnetic field created by the flowing current. Consequently, when current flow decreases, the stored energy is released back into the circuit. The other terms, while related to electrical concepts, do not define the ability to store energy in a magnetic field. Capacitance refers to the ability to store energy in an electric field, energy generally describes the ability to do work, and current refers to the flow of electric charge. Each of these has distinct characteristics that differ from the phenomenon of inductance.

Inductance is the term used to describe the ability to store energy in a magnetic field. When an electric current flows through a coil of wire or in the presence of a magnetic field, it generates a magnetic field around the conductor. The energy that is stored in this magnetic field can be released when the current changes, thus reflecting the fundamental principle behind inductance.

To understand this concept better, think about how inductors—components that take advantage of inductance—function in electrical circuits. They resist changes in current due to their ability to store energy in the magnetic field created by the flowing current. Consequently, when current flow decreases, the stored energy is released back into the circuit.

The other terms, while related to electrical concepts, do not define the ability to store energy in a magnetic field. Capacitance refers to the ability to store energy in an electric field, energy generally describes the ability to do work, and current refers to the flow of electric charge. Each of these has distinct characteristics that differ from the phenomenon of inductance.