What electrical component is typically constructed as a coil of wire?

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

Answer: (C)

An inductor is an electrical component that is typically constructed as a coil of wire. The fundamental principle behind an inductor is its ability to store energy in a magnetic field when electrical current passes through it. As the current flows through the coiled wire, it generates a magnetic field around the coil, and this magnetic field can store energy. When the current changes, the inductor will react by inducing a voltage that opposes the change in current, a property known as inductance.

Inductors are widely used in various applications, such as in filters, oscillators, and transformers, due to their ability to influence the flow of alternating current (AC) through their magnetic field properties. Understanding inductors and their behavior is crucial in many areas of electronics, especially in radio frequency applications, where they play an essential role in tuning circuits and managing signals.

In contrast, capacitors store energy in an electric field, resistors impede current, and potentiometers allow for variable resistance. These components serve different functions in electronic circuits, making the inductor's unique construction and purpose stand out in comparison.