What occurs when current flows through an inductor?

When current flows through an inductor, it generates a magnetic field around it due to the electromagnetic principle that describes how a current-carrying conductor creates a magnetic field. This phenomenon is the basis for the inductor's function in electrical circuits.

As the current increases, the magnetic field builds up and stores energy in that field. The amount of energy stored in the magnetic field is related to the inductance of the coil and the amount of current flowing through it. This stored energy can be released back into the circuit when the current decreases, which is key to how inductors operate in applications such as transformers and in power supply filtering.

In comparison, while inductors can generate a small amount of heat due to the resistance of the wire used to create them, this is not a primary function of an inductor; rather, it’s a byproduct of the current flowing through any conductor. The other options, like reducing voltage or increasing resistance, do not accurately describe the fundamental operation of an inductor or the behavior of electrical circuits involving inductive components.