Physics Year Project
Physics Year Project
What is inductance?
Electromagnetic induction occurs when a magnetic flux in motion with
respect to a single conductor or a coil induces an emf in the conductor or coil.
Because the growth or decline of current through a coil generates a changing
flux, an emf is induced in the coil by its own current change. Components
called inductors or chokes are constructed to have specified values of
inductance. Inductors can be operated in series or in parallel. Even the
shortest of conductors has an inductance. This is usually an unwanted
quantity and is termed stray inductance.
Self-inductance
Self-inductance is the property of a coil to induce a voltage in itself
when the current through it changes. It is a measure of the coil’s ability to
oppose changes in current flow. Mutual inductance is responsible for the
operation of transformers, where voltage is stepped up or down by changing
the number of turns in the coils.
Resistors in series
Resistors are said to be connected in series when they are daisy
chained together in a single line resulting in a common current flowing
through them. Since all the current flowing through the first resistor has no
other way to go it must also pass through the second resistor and the third
and so on. Then, resistors in series have a common current flowing through
them as the current that flows through one resistor must also flow through the
others as it can only take one path.
Then the amount of current that flows through a set of resistors in series will
be the same at all points in a series resistor network.
AIM:
To study the factor on which the self-inductance of a coil depends by
observing the effect of this coil, when put in series with a resistor (bulb) in a
circuit fed up by an A.C source of adjustable frequency.
APPARATUS NEEDED:
A coil of large turns, A.C source of adjustable frequency, an electrical
bulb, (6V) A.C, ammeter of suitable range rheostat, a soft Iron rod, one way
key, connecting wires etc.
THEORY:
The self-inductance of a long solenoid is V*L = −N (dϕ / dt)
where V*L = induced voltage (in volts)
N = number of turns in the coil
dφ / dt = rate of change of magnetic flux (in Webbers/second)
Alternatively, the induced voltage in an inductor may also be expressed in
terms of the inductance (in Henries) and the rate of change of current.
VL = −L (di / dt) (or) E = −L (di / dt)
Hence, the self-inductance depends upon:
1. No of turns (N), Lα N^2
2. Geometry of coil, Lα A,Lα (1/l)
3. Nature of core material, Lα
When an inductor is connected in series with a resistor (bulb) with a variable
source of frequency, the current flowing in the bulb is
L (rms) = E(rms)/Z ‘
Where,
Z=√(R2 + X2) = Impendence of the A.C. Circuit. Here,
R = Resistance of the bulb
L = Self Inductance of the bulb
X = 2πf =Angular frequency of A.C. source
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:
PROCEDURE:
1. Set Up the Circuit:
• Connect the coil (inductor) in series with the resistor.
• Connect the series combination to the AC source with adjustable
frequency.
• Ensure all connections are secure and correct.
2. Measure Initial Parameters:
• Measure the resistance of the resistor using a multimeter.
• Measure the inductance of the coil using an LCR meter (if available).
3. Connect Measurement Instruments:
• Connect the oscilloscope across the resistor to measure the voltage
drop across it. This will help in determining the current through the
circuit.
• Alternatively, connect a multimeter in series with the circuit to measure
the current directly, if the oscilloscope is not available.
4. Vary the Frequency:
• Start with a low frequency and gradually increase the frequency using
the function generator or the AC source.
• At each frequency, note the voltage across the resistor and the
inductor, and the total current through the circuit.
5. Record Observations:
• For each frequency, record the voltage across the resistor (V/R), the
voltage across the inductor (V/L), and the total current (I).
• Calculate the inductive reactance (X/L) and compare it with the
theoretical value (X/L = 2 πf /L)).
6. Analyze the Data:
• Plot the inductive reactance versus frequency to observe the
relationship.
• Analyze how the self-inductance of the coil affects the total impedance
of the circuit at different frequencies.
• Compare the experimental values of inductive reactance with the
theoretical values to determine the accuracy.
7. Study the Factors affecting Self-Inductance:
• Change the physical parameters of the coil (e.g., number of turns, core
material, and coil diameter) and repeat the experiment.
• Observe how these changes affect the inductance and the behaviour of
the circuit.
Observations and Calculations:
1. Voltage and Current Relationship:
-The voltage across the resistor is given by (X/L)
-The voltage across the inductor is given (X/L = 2 πf /L).
2. Impedance Calculation:
-The total impedance (Z) of the series circuit is given by Z = √(R2 + X2)
-The current through the circuit can be calculated as I = V/Z 3. Inductive
Reactance:
-Inductive reactance varies with frequency according to XL αƒ
-Plotting X/L versus f should yield a linear relationship if the inductance
L is constant.
RESULT:
The current in the circuit decreases on inserting the iron rod in the core
of coil at constant frequency of applied voltage & brightness of the bulb
decreases & vice versa.
The current in the circuit increases on decreasing the frequency of
applied voltage & vice-versa. Therefore, the brightness of bulb increases.
CONCLUSION:
The conclusion drawn from observing the effect of a coil when placed in
series with a resistor (bulb) in a circuit fed by an AC source of adjustable
frequency suggests that the phenomenon is indicative of self-inductance. As
the frequency of the AC source varies, the behavior of the coil in the circuit
changes, affecting the overall impedance and current flow. This behavior
aligns with the principles of self-inductance, wherein a changing current in a
coil induces a voltage that opposes the change in current, thereby influencing
the circuit's behavior. The observed effects underscore the significance of
self-inductance in AC circuits, highlighting its role in impedance, current
regulation, and the overall behavior of electrical system. The experiment
demonstrates the profound influence of self-inductance on the behavior of
electrical circuits, as evidenced by the varying effects observed when the coil
is placed in series with a resistor in an AC circuit. This understanding not only
deepens our knowledge of electromagnetic phenomena but also informs
practical applications in electrical engineering and technology.
APPLICATION OF SELF INDUCTANCE:
1. Electromagnetic Induction:
Self-inductance plays a crucial role in the operation of transformers,
motors, and generators. In transformers, for instance, a changing current in
one coil induces a voltage in the same coil due to self-inductance, allowing
efficient energy transfer between circuits.
4. Circuit Protection:
Inductors are employed in circuits for surge protection and filtering.
They can absorb and dissipate energy spikes caused by sudden changes in
current, thereby protecting sensitive components from damage.