An inductor is the simplest form of electronic element or component, which is nothing but a wire coil. This wire coil is capable of doing some of the best things, since it has the properties of magnet. This wire coil or the inductor acts as an electromagnet, when attached to a light bulb and a battery. If the inductor is taken out of the circuit, it will leave behind a simple flashlight. With the switch closed, there is a light up of the bulb but with the inductor attached, it functions in a different manner.
Function of an inductor in a bulb
An inductor has a weak resistance and a light bulb is another resistor. When the switch is turned on, the light is dim. Where the current has to follow via the loop, which is the path of low resistance, instead, with the switch closed, the bulb becomes dimmer and when the switch is open, the bulb becomes bright but goes out quickly!
Strange behavior of the inductor
This strange occurrence is due to the inductor. With the flow of current, initially in the wire coil, the coil built a field of magnet. Whilst it is progressing with the building of the field, the inductor acquires the current flow, after the field is developed, the current starts flowing in a normal way, via the wire or the inductor. When the switch is opened, the field or the magnetic field, as it is also called, present around the zone of the inductor, maintains the flow of current until there is a collision of the field. This is the reason why the light is present till the switch is on. The inductor aids in the storage of energy within its magnetic field and it has the capability to resisting the changes taking place in the flow of current.
