The component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through a coil is

The component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through a coil is

• A. Inductor
• B. Capacitor
• C. Transformer
• D. Diode

Answer: (A)

When current flows through a coil, a magnetic field forms around it and this field stores energy. The component built to store that magnetic energy is the inductor. The stored energy scales with the square of the current, described by E = 1/2 L I^2, where L is the inductance determined by the coil’s turns, core, and geometry. This is different from a capacitor, which stores energy in an electric field between plates; a transformer uses magnetic coupling to transfer energy between circuits, and a diode does not store energy in a magnetic field.

When current flows through a coil, a magnetic field forms around it and this field stores energy. The component built to store that magnetic energy is the inductor. The stored energy scales with the square of the current, described by E = 1/2 L I^2, where L is the inductance determined by the coil’s turns, core, and geometry. This is different from a capacitor, which stores energy in an electric field between plates; a transformer uses magnetic coupling to transfer energy between circuits, and a diode does not store energy in a magnetic field.