What does inductance (L) describe in a circuit?

Inductance (L) describes the property of a circuit that quantifies its opposition to changes in current. This occurs because inductors, which are components that exhibit inductance, store energy in a magnetic field when current flows through them. When the current changes, the magnetic field also changes, inducing a voltage that opposes the change in current, according to Lenz's Law. This opposing voltage effectively resists any increase or decrease in current, making inductance a critical factor in circuits where changing currents occur, such as in AC applications.

Understanding inductance is essential when designing circuits that use inductors to control current, filter signals, or manage energy storage. This property is key in applications like transformers, motors, and various electronic devices that rely on inductive components. The focus on inductance clarifies its unique role in managing electrical current and reinforces the concept that inductance is not about simply flowing current or storing charge, but about how the circuit reacts to changes in the current flow.