Self Inductance of a Coil

Neha fathima XII J

 Abstract
In electromagnetism and electronics, inductance is the property of an electrical conductor by which a
change in current through it induces an electromotive force in both the conductor itself and in any nearby
conductors by mutual inductance.

These effects are derived from two fundamental observations of physics: a steady current creates a steady
magnetic field described by Oersted’s law, and a time-varying magnetic field induces an electromotive force
(EMF) in nearby conductors, which is described by Faraday’s law of induction. According to Lenz’s law a
changing electric current through a circuit that contains inductance induces a proportional voltage, which
opposes the change in current (self-inductance). The varying field in this circuit may also induce an EMF in
neighboring circuits (mutual inductance).
 OBJECTIVE
To study the factor on which the self
inductance of a coil depends by
observing the effect of this coil, when
put in series with a resistor (bulb) in a
circuit fed up by an A.C. source of
adjustable frequency.
 THEORY
Self inductance is the property of a coil which opposes the change in current through it. The
self inductance of a coil (long solenoid) is
L =( μ_0 μ_r N2 A)/l
where µr = Relative magnetic permeability of magnetic material, µr =μ/μ_0
N =Total number of turns in solenoid
A = Area of cross-section of solenoid
l = Length of solenoid
Hence, the self inductance depends upon
No. of turns in solenoid
Geometry of coil, L A , L 1/l
Nature of core material, L µ
When an inductor is connected in series with a resistor (bulb) with a variable source of
frequency , then current flowing in the bulb is

Irms = E_rms/Z

where Z =√(R2 )+ ω2 L2 = Impedance of the a.c. circuit

Here R = Resistance of bulb

L = Self inductance of coil

ω = 2πf = Angular frequency of a.c. source.

The brightness of bulb i.e., Heat generated in bulb is

H = I_rme2 Zt

P = H/t = Irms2 Zt

P = Irms2 √R2 + ω2 L2
MATERIALS REQUIRED
A coil of large turns, a.c.
source of adjustable
frequency, an electrical bulb,
(6V) a.c. ammeter of suitable
range rheostat, a soft iron
rod, one way key, connecting
wires etc.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
 PROCEDURE
❖ • Make all connections as shown in circuit diagram.
❖ • Switch on the A.C. supply and adjust the constant current in the circuit by using the
variable resistor (R1) (let frequency of source is 60 Hz and voltage is 6V)
❖ • Record the current in A.C. ammeter and see the brightness of bulb.
❖ • Now, put the soft iron rod inside the inductor core and record the current in A.C.
ammeter and again check the brightness of bulb. The current and brightness both
decreases.
❖ • Now, switch off the supply and decrease the frequency of A.C. source (say 50 Hz).
❖ • Again switch on the supply and adjust the current in circuit at same constant voltage
6V by using the rheostat. Note the current in ammeter and brightness of bulb. The
current and brightness both will increases.
❖ • Again insert the iron in the core of coil and note the current and brightness. The
current and brightness both decreases.
❖ • Repeat the steps 5, 6 and 7 for different frequency of A.C. source(say 40 Hz,30 Hz and
20 Hz)
OBSERVATIONS
1. Least count of ammeter = .......... A

2. Zero error of ammeter= ............. A

3. Range of ammeter= ....................A

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 RESULT

1. The current in the circuit decrease on inserting the iron rod in

the core of coil at constant frequent of applied voltage and
brightness of bulb decrease and vice-versa.

2. The current in the circuit increase on decreasing the

frequency of applied voltage and vice-versa. Therefore, the
brightness of bulb increase.
 PRECAUTIONS

1. The coil should have number of turn.

2. Current should be passed for a small time to avoid the

heating effect.

3. There should not be parallax in taking the reading of

ammeter.
 SOURCES OF ERRORS

1. The resistance of circuit might increase slightly due to

heating effect of current.

2. There may be eddy current in soft iron coil.

 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. http://www.tutorvista.com/content/science/science-ii/magnetic-effects-electric-current/
force-current-carrying-conductor.php

2. http://gradestack.com/CBSE-Class-10th-Course/Magnetic-Effects-of/Force-on-a-Current-
/15035-2998-4742-study-wtw

3. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/forwir2.html