Inductance Formula:
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Definition: This calculator computes the self-inductance of a straight, round wire in free space.
Purpose: It helps electrical engineers and physicists determine the inductance of conductors in circuit design and analysis.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for both the internal and external inductance of the straight conductor.
Details: Understanding wire inductance is crucial for high-frequency circuit design, transmission line analysis, and minimizing unwanted inductive effects.
Tips: Enter the wire length and radius in meters. Both values must be positive numbers. The radius should be much smaller than the length for accurate results.
Q1: What is the permeability constant (μ₀)?
A: μ₀ is the magnetic constant (4π×10⁻⁷ H/m), representing the permeability of free space.
Q2: Does this formula work for any wire material?
A: Yes, but it assumes non-magnetic materials (relative permeability μᵣ ≈ 1). For magnetic materials, multiply the result by μᵣ.
Q3: How does wire length affect inductance?
A: Inductance increases with length but not linearly due to the logarithmic term in the formula.
Q4: Why is wire radius important?
A: Thicker wires have lower inductance because the magnetic field has more area to spread out.
Q5: When is this approximation valid?
A: This formula works best when length ≫ radius (typically l/r > 100). For short wires, more complex models are needed.