Inductor Basics

Exploration of the basic idea on how an inductor works in an electrical circuit. I believe this is how it works and would like clarification if at all possible. The inductor stores electricity in it's magnetic field and is released into the circuit when the connection to ground is disconnected, that being, the circuit involving the power supply is cut off. When main power is disconnected, the inductor drops current back into it's circuit. Energy leaves the system via from the light-bulb's filament and thermal release. Two separate circuits with differing resistance values. Both light bulbs are the same. Switch the two on to see differing brightness levels. If you close one of the two circuits with the switch (or both) the voltage begins to store itself into the inductor's magnetic field. When the ground is switched off (right side) the inductor then begins to release the stored energy, much like a capacitor. Food for thought: keep switching ground off and on (right side) to see what happens to one or both bulbs. While the inductor is connected, observe how much amperage passes through the inductor when switching the left side between 3 ohms and 6 ohms. When the inductor's current reaches 40 amps, switch to 3 ohms and see what happens to the bulbs.

published 10 years ago