How does an inductor store energy?

An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field. When electrical current flows through the coil of an inductor, it generates a magnetic field around itself, corresponding to the amount of current. This magnetic field is a direct result of the electromagnetic principle that when an electric current flows through a conductor, it creates a magnetic field around that conductor.

The energy is stored in the magnetic field as a result of the current, and this stored energy can be released back into the circuit when the current changes, such as when the circuit is opened or the current is reversed. This property is critical in various applications like filters, oscillators, and transformers, where inductors help manage the flow of energy and maintain circuit stability.

In contrast, the other options describe forms of energy storage that do not pertain to inductors: electric fields are related to capacitors, chemical forms pertain to batteries and fuel cells, and thermal gradients are associated with thermal energy storage systems. Hence, the ideal answer is the magnetic field, which accurately describes how inductors function.