What type of electrical component stores energy in a magnetic field?

What type of electrical component stores energy in a magnetic field?

• A. Capacitor
• B. Transistor
• C. Inductor
• D. Resistor

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is an inductor, which is a type of electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field. When an electric current flows through an inductor, it creates a magnetic field around it. This magnetic field stores energy, and when the current through the inductor changes, the inductor can release that stored energy back into the circuit. Inductors are key components in circuits where they help regulate current flow, filter signals, and store energy for applications like oscillators and transformers. Capacitors store energy in an electric field rather than a magnetic field, making them unsuitable for this question's context. Transistors, on the other hand, are used primarily for amplifying or switching electronic signals and do not store energy. Resistors are passive components that dissipate energy in the form of heat due to resistance and do not have the capability to store energy in either form. Thus, the inductor is distinct in its function of energy storage in a magnetic field, which makes it the correct choice for this question.

The correct answer is an inductor, which is a type of electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field. When an electric current flows through an inductor, it creates a magnetic field around it. This magnetic field stores energy, and when the current through the inductor changes, the inductor can release that stored energy back into the circuit. Inductors are key components in circuits where they help regulate current flow, filter signals, and store energy for applications like oscillators and transformers.

Capacitors store energy in an electric field rather than a magnetic field, making them unsuitable for this question's context. Transistors, on the other hand, are used primarily for amplifying or switching electronic signals and do not store energy. Resistors are passive components that dissipate energy in the form of heat due to resistance and do not have the capability to store energy in either form. Thus, the inductor is distinct in its function of energy storage in a magnetic field, which makes it the correct choice for this question.