Electronics/Inductance

A electron moving through space creates a magnetic field that spins around the charge according to the right hand rule. The magnetic field is created by the spin of the moving electron. If the wire is bent in the shape of a ring, when its current is flowing it magnetic field will resemble water flowing through a hose. In order for the ring to have a magnetic field, its magnetic field must first displace the magnetic field that is already there. This is why inductors initially resist any changes in current when a voltage is applied. Over time the magnetic field changes to reflect the magnetic field of the ring and current starts flowing.

Inductors resist changes in current and take time to adjust.

A popular example of inductance is an electromagnet. It is essentially an inductor connected to dc with a piece of metal in its core. The flow of current creates a magnetic flow that mimicks a magnet. The direction of current determines the polarity of the magnet.

The nice thing about electromagnets is the strength of the current determines the strength of the magnetic field, so the more current the more magnetic field. Also reversing the direction of the current switches the polarity of the electromagnet.

This property allows electromagnets to be used as switches. As the current increases the magnet becomes more repulsive to other magnets.

Electromagnets are also used in loudspeakers. You have a voltage that is dependent on distance so as the distance decreases the voltage increases and as the distance increases the voltage decreases. The result is the ability to program the loudspeaker according to a vibration pattern.