1. What is Current Through an Inductor?

Definition: This calculator determines the magnitude of alternating current flowing through an inductor based on voltage, frequency, and inductance.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers and students analyze AC circuits containing inductive components.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current magnitude (amperes)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( \omega \) — Angular frequency (radians/second)
• \( L \) — Inductance (henrys)
• \( j \) — Imaginary unit (phase shift of 90°)

Explanation: The calculator computes the magnitude of the current, ignoring the phase shift represented by the imaginary unit j.

3. Importance of Inductor Current Calculation

Details: Understanding current through inductors is crucial for designing filters, power supplies, and analyzing circuit behavior in AC systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the voltage in volts, angular frequency in rad/s, and inductance in henrys. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is angular frequency (ω)?
A: Angular frequency is 2π times the regular frequency (f) in Hertz: ω = 2πf.

Q2: Why is there a j in the formula?
A: The j represents a 90° phase shift between voltage and current in an inductor, but this calculator only shows magnitude.

Q3: Does this work for DC circuits?
A: No, for DC (ω=0), the formula would suggest infinite current, but in reality, steady-state DC current through an inductor is determined by circuit resistance.

Q4: What's a typical inductance value?
A: Inductors range from nanohenrys (nH) for high-frequency circuits to henrys (H) for power applications.

Q5: How does frequency affect inductor current?
A: Higher frequency means higher reactance (ωL), resulting in lower current for a given voltage.