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Energy Stored in an Inductor

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Estimated time: 6 minutes
CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

When current in an inductor increases from zero to a steady value, the inductor opposes this change (self-induction) by generating a back-emf. The battery must do work against this back-emf. This work is not lost — it gets stored as magnetic potential energy in the magnetic field of the inductor.

Analogy: Just as a flywheel resists a sudden change in rotational speed and stores kinetic energy once spinning, an inductor resists a sudden change in current and stores magnetic energy once current is established.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Energy Stored in an Inductor

The work done by the source in establishing a current I against the self-induced back-emf, which is stored as magnetic potential energy in the inductor's magnetic field.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Energy Density

The magnetic energy stored per unit volume of space in the magnetic field region.

CISCE: Class 12

Derivation

Step 1: The induced (back) emf in an inductor of inductance L carrying current I is:

  • ε = −L\[\frac {dI}{dt}\]

Step 2: Work done by the battery per unit time (rate of doing work) against this back-emf:

  • \[\frac {dW}{dt}\] = εI = LI\[\frac {dI}{dt}\]

Step 3: Total work done in building current from 0 to I0:

  • W = \[\int_0^{I_0}LIdI\]

Step 4: Integrating:

  • W = \[\frac {1}{2}LI_0^2\]

Step 5: This work is stored as magnetic potential energy U:

  • U = \[\frac {1}{2}LI_0^2\]
Quantity Symbol SI Unit
Magnetic Energy Stored U Joule (J)
Inductance L Henry (H)
Steady Current I0 Ampere (A)
CISCE: Class 12

Magnetic Energy Density

The energy stored per unit volume in the magnetic field of a solenoid/inductor is given by:

\[\frac {U}{V}\] = \[\frac {B^2}{2μ_0}\]

Dimensional Check: [B20] reduces to J/m3, confirming it represents energy per unit volume.

Quantity Symbol SI Unit
Energy Density U/V J/m3
Magnetic Field B Tesla (T)
Permeability of Free Space μ0 T·m/A
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