How does an inductor work in a filter circuit?

An inductor works in a filter circuit by allowing low-frequency signals to pass through.

Inductors are passive components that store energy in a magnetic field. In a filter circuit, an inductor is used to block high-frequency signals and allow low-frequency signals to pass through. This is because the inductor has a high impedance to high-frequency signals, but a low impedance to low-frequency signals.

In a low-pass filter circuit, the inductor is placed in series with the load and the output. This configuration allows low-frequency signals to pass through the inductor and reach the load, while high-frequency signals are blocked by the inductor. The inductor acts as a high-pass filter, allowing only low-frequency signals to pass.

In a high-pass filter circuit, the inductor is placed in parallel with the load and the output. This configuration allows high-frequency signals to pass through the inductor and reach the load, while low-frequency signals are blocked by the inductor. The inductor acts as a low-pass filter, allowing only high-frequency signals to pass.

To understand the fundamental principles of how an inductor functions, you can explore the basics of induction. Learn more about the basics of induction.

Inductors also play a key role in electromagnetic induction, a process crucial for their operation in circuits. Read more about electromagnetic induction.

A-Level Physics Summary: In filter circuits, inductors block high-frequency signals while allowing low-frequency signals to pass. They work by storing energy in a magnetic field and acting differently based on frequency: high impedance to high frequencies and low impedance to low frequencies. In low-pass filters, inductors are in series, and in high-pass filters, they are in parallel.