What type of signals does an inductor oppose changes in?

An inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electrical current flows through it. One of its key characteristics is that it opposes changes in current.

When it comes to AC (Alternating Current) signals, an inductor resists changes in the amplitude and direction of the current due to its ability to store energy in the magnetic field. As the AC signal alternates, the current is constantly changing, and the inductor works to oppose this change, creating an inductive reactance which affects the overall impedance in an AC circuit.

With DC (Direct Current) signals, while the current is steady, if the current level changes—such as when the circuit is first powered on or off, or if there are any fluctuations—the inductor will similarly oppose this sudden change. Once the DC signal reaches a steady state, the inductor behaves like a short circuit, allowing current to flow unimpeded but will still oppose any sudden increases or decreases in the current.

Thus, the inductor inherently opposes changes in current for both AC and DC signals, making the answer inclusive of both types of signals. This characteristic of inductors is fundamental in various applications, including filter design, energy storage, and in controlling the