Inductance and Mutual Inductance

Any conductor has some definite value of inductance. The inductance of a conductor shows how well it can provide induced voltage.

Elements of a circuit with a definite value of inductance are coils of wire called inductors. The inductance of a coil depends upon its size and material. The greater the number of turns of a coil, the higher is its inductance. An iron core also increases the value of inductance. Coils of this type are used for low-frequency currents while coils with an air core are used for high-frequency currents.

Two coils A and В are brought close together and a source of varying current is applied to coil A. If a measuring device is connected across the terminals of coil В it will be found that a voltage is induced in this coil though the two coils do not touch. The secondary voltage, that is the voltage in coil B, is called induced voltage and energy from one coil to the other transfers by induction. The coil across which the current is applied is called the primary; that in which voltage is induced is called the secondary. The primary and the secondary coils have mutual inductance. Mutual inductance is measured in the same units as inductance, that is in henries.

Thus, when a rate of change of one ampere per second in the primary coil will produce one volt in the secondary coil, the two coils have one henry of mutual inductance.

It should be taken into consideration that induction by a varying current results from the change in current not in the current value. The faster the current changes, the higher the induced voltage.

4. Complete the sentences using the correct variant:

5. Complete these sentences using while. Follow the model on page 13.

1. An air core decreases the value of inductance ….       

2. An iron core is used for low -frequency currents ….

3. The coil in which voltage is induced is called the secondary ….

6. Answer the following questions:

1. What value of inductance do conductors have?

2. What is the function of inductors?

3. What are elements with a definite value of inductance called?

4. What does the inductance of a coil depend upon?

5. How does the inductance of a coil depend upon the material of its core?

6. In what units is the value of mutual inductance measured?

7. What does induction by a varying current result from?

8. What is the relation between the current changes and the value of induced voltage?

9. What is the unit of resistance?

10. What is the unit of potential difference?

11. For what type of current is an air core used?

12. What is the relation between the number of turns of a coil and its inductance value?