ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL
OLD CANTT PRAYAGRAJ
SESSION: 2025-26
CLASS: XII-B
PHYSICS
(SUBJECT CODE - 042)
INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
PHYSICS PROJECT
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
an AC circuit of adjustable frequency.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my respected Physics teacher
Mr Vishal Singh for guiding me throughout the completion of this project. I am also
thankful to my school for providing the laboratory facilities and necessary apparatus.
I would like to thank my parents and friends for their constant encouragement
and support, which helped me to successfully complete this project.
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CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Physics project titled “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 an AC circuit of adjustable frequency”
is an original work carried out by a student of Class XII under the guidance of the
subject teacher- Mr Vishal Singh, as per the CBSE curriculum.
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Aim
To study the factors on which the self-inductance of a coil depends by observing its
behavior when connected in series with a resistor/bulb in an AC circuit of variable
frequency.
Apparatus Required
- Inductor (coil)
- Resistor / Electric bulb
- AC source with adjustable frequency
- Connecting wires
- Switch
- Ammeter
Theory
Self-inductance is the property of a coil by virtue of which it opposes any change in
the current flowing through it. When an alternating current flows through a coil, a
changing magnetic flux is produced, which induces an emf in the coil itself. This
induced emf opposes the change in current.
The self-inductance L of a coil depends on:
- Number of turns of the coil
- Area of cross-section
- Length of the coil
- Nature of the core material
Mathematically
Where:
= number of turns
= area of cross-section
= permeability of the medium
= length of the coil
In an AC circuit, the inductive reactance is given by:
Procedure
1. Connect the coil in series with a resistor or bulb to an AC source.
2. Insert an ammeter in series to measure current.
3. Switch on the AC supply at a low frequency.
4. Gradually increase the frequency of the AC source.
5. Observe the brightness of the bulb or change in current reading.
6. Repeat the experiment by changing the number of turns or core material of the
coil.
Observations
1. At low frequency, the bulb glows brightly.
2. As frequency increases, the brightness of the bulb decreases.
3. When the number of turns increases, current decreases.
4. Using a soft iron core increases self-inductance.
Result
The self-inductance of a coil:
1. Increases with increase in number of turns
2. Increases with increase in area of cross-section
3. Increases with use of a soft iron core
4. Decreases with increase in length of the coil
5. Opposes AC more at higher frequencies
Precautions
1. Ensure all connections are tight.
2. Do not touch bare wires.
3. Increase frequency gradually.
4. Use correct rated bulb or resistor.
Sources of Error
1. Loose connections
2. Fluctuations in AC supply
3. Inaccurate frequency adjustment
Conclusion
The experiment confirms that self-inductance depends on physical dimensions of
the coil and the nature of the core material. In an AC circuit, higher frequency
increases inductive reactance, thereby reducing current.
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Prepared By : Dev Pundir