What type of circuit element opposes rates of change of current?

What type of circuit element opposes rates of change of current?

• A. Capacitor
• B. Inductor
• C. Resistor
• D. Ground

Answer: (B)

An inductor is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to oppose changes in current flow. This is a fundamental property of inductors known as self-inductance. When the current through an inductor changes, it generates a counter electromotive force (EMF) according to Lenz's law, which states that the induced EMF will act in a direction to oppose the change in current. This behavior makes inductors particularly useful in applications such as filters, oscillators, and energy storage devices in electrical circuits, where controlling the rate of current change is critical. In contrast, a capacitor stores electrical energy in an electric field and primarily opposes changes in voltage, making it different from the function of an inductor. A resistor, on the other hand, limits the flow of current but does not inherently oppose changes in current itself. Lastly, ground serves as a reference point in electrical circuits and does not have a direct influence on the rate of change of current. Therefore, the properties of the inductor specifically align with the requirement of opposing changes in current.

An inductor is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to oppose changes in current flow. This is a fundamental property of inductors known as self-inductance. When the current through an inductor changes, it generates a counter electromotive force (EMF) according to Lenz's law, which states that the induced EMF will act in a direction to oppose the change in current. This behavior makes inductors particularly useful in applications such as filters, oscillators, and energy storage devices in electrical circuits, where controlling the rate of current change is critical.

In contrast, a capacitor stores electrical energy in an electric field and primarily opposes changes in voltage, making it different from the function of an inductor. A resistor, on the other hand, limits the flow of current but does not inherently oppose changes in current itself. Lastly, ground serves as a reference point in electrical circuits and does not have a direct influence on the rate of change of current. Therefore, the properties of the inductor specifically align with the requirement of opposing changes in current.