What is inductance?

Inductance is defined as the property of an electrical component, typically a coil or inductor, to oppose changes in the current flow through it. This opposition arises due to the electromagnetic effects generated when the current through the conductor changes, resulting in the induction of an electromotive force (EMF) that counteracts the change. When the current increases or decreases, the changing magnetic field generates a voltage that seeks to maintain the original current level, illustrating inductance's crucial role in electrical circuits, especially in applications involving alternating current (AC).

Understanding this characteristic is essential in circuit design and analysis, as it explains how inductors work in filtering, energy storage, and shaping current and voltage waveforms. Inductance plays a vital role in many electrical systems, including power supplies and signal processing.