Question
An a.c. voltage E = E0 sin ωt is applied across an inductor L. Obtain an expression for current I.
Solution
Let, a pure inductance L connected across a source of alternating emf given by E = E0 sin ωt
The rate of change of current in the circuit is (If I is the current through the circuit).
∴ Instantaneous induced emf across inductance = -L (By Kirchhoff's law)
∴ The net emf is
where,
Here, ωL has the units of resistance and it is called inductive reactance.
Current, I in the circuit is expressed as,
I = – I0 cos ωt
= I0 sin (ωt – /2).

The rate of change of current in the circuit is (If I is the current through the circuit).
∴ Instantaneous induced emf across inductance = -L (By Kirchhoff's law)
∴ The net emf is
where,
Here, ωL has the units of resistance and it is called inductive reactance.
Current, I in the circuit is expressed as,
I = – I0 cos ωt
= I0 sin (ωt – /2).