AMITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
PHYSICS PROJECT
Name: Aditya Kumar
Class: XII-D
Session: 2025–2026
Aim
To study the factors on which the self-inductance of a coil depends
by observing the effect of the coil when connected in series with a
resistor (bulb) in a circuit supplied with an AC source of adjustable
frequency.
Apparatus Required
● Solenoid (long coil of insulated copper wire)
● Soft iron rod (to be inserted inside the solenoid)
● AC power supply of adjustable frequency
● Ammeter (AC type)
● Resistor / Electric bulb
● Connecting wires
● Plug key / Switch
● Rheostat (optional)
Theory
Self Inductance
When an alternating current flows through a coil, the current continuously
changes with time. Due to this changing current, the magnetic field linked with
the coil also changes.
According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, a changing magnetic
flux produces an induced emf in the coil itself. This emf opposes the change
in current, as per Lenz’s law.
This property of a coil by which it opposes the change in current flowing
through it is called self-inductance.
Factors Affecting Self Inductance
The self inductance L of a solenoid depends on:
1. Number of turns of the coil
2. Area of cross-section
3. Length of the coil
4. Nature of the core material (air or iron)
For a solenoid,
L = (μ₀ μr N² A) / l
Where:
L = self inductance of the coil
μ₀ = permeability of free space
μr = relative permeability of the core
N = number of turns
A = area of cross-section
l = length of the solenoid
When a soft iron rod is inserted into the coil, μr increases greatly, hence self
inductance increases.
Diagram of Solenoid
Effect of Self Inductance in AC Circuit
In an AC circuit, inductance offers opposition to current called inductive
reactance (XL).
XL = 2πfL
Where:
XL = inductive reactance
f = frequency of AC
L = self inductance
As frequency increases, XL increases, so current decreases.
Procedure
1. Connect the solenoid, bulb (or
resistor), ammeter, and AC source in
series as shown in the circuit diagram.
2. Keep the iron rod outside the solenoid
initially.
3. Set a low frequency on the AC source
and note the current from the ammeter.
4. Increase the frequency gradually and
note the current each time.
5. Now insert the soft iron rod inside the
solenoid.
6. Repeat the observations for the same
frequencies.
7. Compare the current readings with
and without the iron rod.
Observations
Least Count of Ammeter (LC): 0.05 A
Zero Error: 0A
Range of Ammeter: 0-5A
S. Frequency Current (A) without Current (A) with Iron
No. (Hz) Iron Rod Rod
1 60 2.0 1.8
2 50 2.5 2.3
3 40 2.9 2.6
4 30 3.4 3.25
5 20 4.1 4.00
Result
From the observations, it is found that:
● Current decreases as frequency increases
● For the same frequency, current is less when the iron rod is
inserted
● This shows that self inductance increases when a soft iron core is
used
Hence, self inductance of a coil depends on frequency and the
nature of the core material.
Precautions
● Connections should be tight and proper
● AC supply should be switched on only after completing the circuit
● Ammeter should be connected in series
● Frequency should be increased gradually
● Iron rod should be inserted carefully
Sources of Error
● Fluctuation in AC supply
● Heating of coil due to prolonged current flow
● Inaccurate frequency adjustment
● Parallax error while reading ammeter