Contents

[Link]. Topic Page No.

1 Aim 2

2 Theory 3

3 Apparatus Required 4

4 Circuit Diagram 5

5 Procedure 6

6 Observations 7&8

7 Calculations 9

8 Result 10

9 Conclusion 11

10 Precautions 12

11 References 13

1
 Aim

To study the factors affecting the self-inductance of a coil

by observing its effect when placed in series with a resistor
or bulb in an AC circuit. This includes observing how
inductance changes with number of turns, core material,
coil dimensions, and frequency of the AC source.

2
 Theory
Self-inductance is a property of a coil that quantifies the emf
induced in the coil itself when the current through it changes. It
depends on physical factors such as the number of turns, cross-
sectional area, length of the coil, and the magnetic permeability of
the core. Mathematically, for a solenoid: L = (μ * N^2 * A) / l,
where μ is the permeability, N is number of turns, A is cross-
sectional area, and l is length of the coil.
When the coil is in an AC circuit, it offers inductive reactance
given by X_L = 2πfL. This reactance increases with frequency,
reducing the current through the circuit. In a series circuit with a
resistor (or bulb), the current I = V / sqrt(R^2 + X_L^2). Therefore,
as X_L increases, the current decreases, dimming the bulb. This
provides a direct observable effect to study inductance
experimentally.
Factors affecting self-inductance:
- Number of turns (N): L ∝ N^2, increasing turns increases L
significantly.
- Cross-sectional area (A): Larger area increases magnetic flux
linkage, increasing L.
- Length of coil (l): Longer coils for the same N reduce L (L ∝
1/l).
- Core material (μ): A ferromagnetic core (iron) with high μ
drastically increases L compared to air core.
Experimental observation relies on measuring current or bulb
brightness while varying the above parameters.

3
 Apparatus Required
- Coil of known turns (several coils with different turns if available)
- AC source with adjustable frequency (function generator or AC
supply)
- Bulb (indicator) or resistor (known value)
- Ammeter/AC ammeter or multimeter capable of AC current
measurement
- Voltmeter/oscilloscope (optional)
- Rheostat (for current control)
- Connecting wires and switch
- Stand and clamps
- Core materials (iron rod, cardboard, air core)

4
 Circuit Diagram
Figure: Series circuit of AC source, coil, and bulb/resistor.

5
 Procedure
1. Arrange the circuit on a board: Connect AC source → switch → coil →
bulb/resistor → back to AC source. Ensure all connections are secure.

2. Start with an air-core coil with known turns (record N), coil length, and
cross-sectional area.

3. Set the AC source to a low frequency (e.g., 50 Hz). Measure and record:
supply voltage (V), current through circuit (I), and bulb brightness
qualitatively.

4. Increase frequency in steps (e.g., 50 Hz increments up to 500 Hz). At each

frequency, record current and brightness.

5. Replace core with different materials (e.g., iron rod) and repeat frequency
sweep keeping other parameters constant.

6. Change number of turns (use different coils) and repeat measurements.

Keep detailed notes of coil dimensions for each configuration.

7. For each reading, compute inductive reactance X_L = 2πfL and, where
possible, calculate L from measured current using L = sqrt((Z^2 - R^2)) /
(2πf), with Z = V/I.

8. Take at least three readings for each configuration and compute averages
to reduce random errors.

9. Record observations in the Observations table and plot graphs of I vs f,

X_L vs f, and L vs N if needed.

10. Switch OFF the supply before changing coil or core and follow safety
precautions when handling equipment.

6
 Observations
Coil Turns (N) Core Material Coil Length Frequency Bulb
(cm) (Hz) Brightness /
Current (A)

50 Air 10 50 Brightness:
10.0/10
Current: 0.600
A
L: 0.003 mH
X_L: 0.00 Ω

100 Air 10 50 Brightness:

10.0/10
Current: 0.600
A
L: 0.013 mH
X_L: 0.00 Ω

150 Air 10 50 Brightness:

10.0/10
Current: 0.600
A
L: 0.028 mH
X_L: 0.01 Ω

200 Air 10 50 Brightness:

10.0/10
Current: 0.600
A
L: 0.050 mH
X_L: 0.02 Ω

50 Iron 10 50 Brightness:
10.0/10
Current: 0.600
A
L: 0.628 mH

7
 X_L: 0.20 Ω

100 Iron 10 50 Brightness:

10.0/10
Current: 0.598
A
L: 2.513 mH
X_L: 0.79 Ω

150 Iron 10 50 Brightness:

9.8/10
Current: 0.591
A
L: 5.655 mH
X_L: 1.78 Ω

200 Iron 10 50 Brightness:

9.5/10
Current: 0.572
A
L: 10.053 mH
X_L: 3.16 Ω

8
 Calculations

Example: Given a coil with N turns, cross-sectional area A, and

length l, the inductance L of a solenoid is approximately:

L = (μ * N^2 * A) / l

Inductive reactance: X_L = 2πfL

If the circuit has a resistor R in series with coil, current magnitude:

I = V / sqrt(R^2 + (X_L)^2)

Using measured values of current at known V and R, one can

back-calculate L.

Sample Calculation:
Suppose V = 6 V (rms), R = 10 Ω, measured current at f = 100 Hz
is I = 0.25 A. Then circuit impedance Z = V/I = 24 Ω.
Hence X_L = sqrt(Z^2 - R^2) = sqrt(24^2 - 10^2) = sqrt(576 - 100)
= sqrt(476) ≈ 21.82 Ω.
Therefore L = X_L / (2πf) = 21.82 / (2π × 100) ≈ 0.0347 H ≈ 34.7
mH.
Repeat this method for different coil configurations to compare L
values.

9
 Result

- Self-inductance increases with number of turns and

magnetic permeability of the core.
- Inductive reactance increases with frequency, reducing
circuit current.

10
 Conclusion
From the experiment we conclude that the self-inductance of a coil
depends strongly on the number of turns (N), cross-sectional area
(A), length (l), and core permeability (μ). Experimentally
observing the brightness of a bulb or measuring current while
varying these parameters and the frequency of the AC supply
confirms theoretical predictions. Appropriate precautions and
multiple measurements help improve accuracy.

11
 Precautions

- Ensure the AC source voltage and frequency are within safe

limits for the bulb and coil.
- Avoid short circuits and loose connections.
- Handle the equipment carefully; coils and wires may heat up.
- When using ferromagnetic cores, avoid sudden movements near
the coil when current flows.

12
 References
- Physics textbooks on electromagnetism (CBSE reference books).
- Laboratory manual and notes on inductance and AC circuits.
- Web articles and educational resources on inductance and
reactance.

13