Question
What core material property determines the inductance of an inductor?
Answer Options
- A) Permittivity
- B) Resistance
- C) Reactivity
- D) Permeability
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
The inductance of a coil is determined by its physical characteristics (number of turns, cross-sectional area, and length) and the magnetic properties of the material filling its core. The function of the core material is to concentrate the magnetic field generated by the coil’s current.
This ability of the core material to concentrate the magnetic field is quantified by its Permeability (\mu). Permeability is the measure of the ease with which a magnetic field can be established in a material. A material with high permeability (like ferrite or iron) will greatly increase the inductance of the coil compared to an air core, allowing for higher inductance in a smaller physical space.
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