NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

What is the unit of inductance?

1. Volt

2. Farad

3. Henry

4. Ohm

The correct answer is: Henry

The unit of inductance is Henry, which is defined as the amount of induced electromotive force (EMF) in a circuit when the current through it changes at a rate of one ampere per second. It essentially measures the ability of a conductor to store electrical energy in a magnetic field. When a changing current flows through a coil or inductor, it creates a magnetic field, and any change in this field will induce a voltage in the coil. This interaction between current and magnetic field is the fundamental principle behind inductors in electrical circuits, making the Henry the standard unit of inductance in the International System of Units (SI). It represents how effectively an electrical component can oppose changes in current, which is critical in many applications such as transformers, electric motors, and filters in electronic circuits. Other units mentioned, such as Volt, Farad, and Ohm, are related to different electrical properties: Volt measures electric potential, Farad pertains to capacitance, and Ohm indicates resistance. Each one pertains to distinct characteristics of electrical circuits, which further highlights why Henry is specifically assigned for inductance.