AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Flashcards: Inductance
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the primary electrical property of an inductor?
An inductor's primary electrical property is to oppose any change in the current flowing through it by generating a self-induced EMF.
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What is the primary electrical property of an inductor?
An inductor's primary electrical property is to oppose any change in the current flowing through it by generating a self-induced EMF.
How does an inductor store energy?
An inductor stores energy in the magnetic field that is generated by the current flowing through its coils.
If the number of turns (N) in a solenoid is doubled while all other factors remain constant, how does its inductance (L) change?
Since inductance is proportional to the square of the number of turns (L ∝ N²), doubling the number of turns will quadruple the inductance (2² = 4).
If the current (I) flowing through an inductor is tripled, by what factor does the stored energy (U_L) increase?
The stored energy increases by a factor of nine, as the energy is proportional to the square of the current (U_L ∝ I²), and 3² = 9.
What is inductance?
Inductance is the tendency of an electrical conductor to oppose a change in the electrical current flowing through it.
What is the equation relating induced EMF (ε_induced) to inductance (L)?
The induced EMF is related to inductance and the rate of change of current by the equation ε_induced = -L(dI/dt).
State the equation for the inductance (L) of a solenoid.
The inductance of a solenoid is calculated using the equation L = (μ_core * N² * A) / ℓ.
What four physical properties determine the inductance of a solenoid?
The inductance of a solenoid depends on the total number of turns, the length of the solenoid, its cross-sectional area, and the magnetic permeability of its core.
What is the equation for the energy (U_L) stored in an inductor?
The energy stored in an inductor is given by the equation U_L = (1/2)LI², where L is the inductance and I is the current.
What is the induced EMF in an inductor when a steady, constant DC current flows through it?
The induced EMF is zero because a constant current means the rate of change of current (dI/dt) is zero, and ε_induced = -L(dI/dt).
How is the induced EMF in an inductor related to the current flowing through it?
The induced EMF in an inductor is proportional to the rate of change of the current (dI/dt), not the magnitude of the current itself.