How does an inductor behave to changes in AC current directly?

An inductor is a passive electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field created by the flow of current through a coil of wire. When it comes to alternating current (AC), the behavior of an inductor is particularly important. As AC current changes direction and magnitude over time, the inductor reacts to these changes by opposing them. This opposition is known as inductance, which is a fundamental characteristic of inductors.

When the current through an inductor attempts to change, the magnetic field surrounding the inductor also changes. According to Lenz's Law, the inductor generates a back electromotive force (emf) that acts in the opposite direction to the change in current, effectively resisting that change. This results in a delay in the current's response to the applied voltage, leading to a phase shift where the current lags behind the voltage in an AC circuit.

This behavior is significant in applications such as filtering, energy storage, and oscillation circuits, where the control of current flow is crucial. Understanding that inductors oppose changes in AC current is key to grasping how they function within electrical systems and circuits.