Study of Factors Affecting the

Self-Inductance of a Coil Using an

A.C. Source

Student name:- Ansh prajapati Subject Teacher-

DEEPENDRA PATHAK SIR
Certificate
This is to certify that Ansh prajapati, a student of
Class XII, of Mahatma hansraj Modern School, has
successfully completed the Physics project titled:
“To study the factor on which the self-inductance
of a coil depends by observing the effect of this
coil, when put in series with a resistor (bulb) in a
circuit fed by an A.C. source of adjustable
frequency.” “Self-
This project is an original work carried out by the inductance
student under my supervision during the academic plays a vital
session 2025–2026, and it fulfills the requirements role in A.C.
prescribed by the CBSE curriculum. circuits,
I wish her all the best for her future endeavors. transformer
s, and
electronics.
”

Signature of the Subject Teacher: ___________________________

Name: ___________________________

Signature of the Invigilator___________________________ Signature of the Student:

Name: ___________________________ ___________________________
Name:
___________________________
Class
___________________________
 Acknowledgment
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my
Physics teacher for her valuable guidance,
encouragement, and continuous support
throughout the completion of this project. Her
suggestions and supervision helped me to
understand the topic clearly and complete the
work successfully.
I am also thankful to the school authorities of
“Self- Mahatma Ansar’s Modern School for providing
inductance the necessary facilities and resources required for
this project.
protects
circuits from I would like to thank my parents and friends for
sudden their constant support and motivation during the
current preparation of this project.
surges Lastly, I am grateful to everyone who directly or
indirectly helped me in the successful completion
of this project.

Name: Aishwarya Patil

Class: XII
Subject: Physics
If you want a shorter version or a more formal
CBSE-style version, tell me and I’ll adjust it exactly
how your teacher prefers.
Study of Factors Affecting the Self-
Inductance of a Coil Using
an A.C. Source
[Link]. CONTENT

1. Title Page

2. Certificate

3. Acknowledgement

4. Index

5. Aim of the Experiment

6. Introduction (Theory of Self-

Inductance)
7. Theory / Principle of Self-
Inductance
8. Factors Affecting Self-
Inductance of a Coil
9. Apparatus Required

10. Experimental Setup (Description

of the Circuit)
11. Procedure

12. Observations & Result

13. Precautions and Sources of

Error
14. Conclusion

15. Bibliography
index
 Aim of the Experiment cv

1. To understand the concept of self-inductance in an

electrical coil.
2. To study how a coil opposes the change in current
flowing through it due to self-induced emf.
3. To observe the behavior of a coil when it is connected
in series with a resistor (bulb) in an A.C. circuit.
4. To study the effect of number of turns of a coil on its
self-inductance.
5. To understand the effect of the nature of the core
material (air core or soft iron core) on self-inductance.
6. To analyze how the dimensions of the coil such as
length and cross-sectional area affect its self-inductance.
7. To study the effect of frequency of the A.C. source on
the behavior of the coil in the circuit.
8. To verify that self-inductance depends on the physical
properties of the coil and the surrounding medium.
9. To understand the practical importance of self-
inductance in electrical and electronic devices such as
transformers and inductors.
 Introduction (Theory of Self-
Inductance)
Self-induction is the
phenomenon by which a
change in electric
current flowing through
a coil produces an
induced electromotive
force (emf) in the same
coil. When the current
in the coil changes, the
magnetic flux linked
with the coil also
changes, and according
to Faraday’s law of
electromagnetic
induction, an emf is
induced. This induced
emf always opposes the
change in current as
stated by Lenz’s law.

1. When an electric current flows through a coil, it produces a magnetic field around it.

2. Any change in the current causes a corresponding change in the magnetic flux linked
with the coil.

3. According to Faraday’s law, a changing magnetic flux induces an electromotive force

(emf) in the coil itself.

4. The induced emf always opposes the change in current producing it, as explained by
Lenz’s law.

5. This opposition to the change in current is called self-induction.

6. The property of a coil due to which it shows self-induction is known as self-

inductance.

7. The magnitude of self-inductance depends on factors like number of turns, nature of

the core, and dimensions of the coil.

8. Self-induction is widely used in electrical appliances such as inductors, transformers,

chokes, and A.C. circuits.

“Self-inductance is the electrical

inertia of a circuit.”
FACTORS AFFECTING SELF-
INDUCTANCE OF A COIL
o . Number of turns of the coil (N):
The self-inductance of a coil increases
as the number of turns increases. More
turns link more magnetic flux with the
coil.
o Nature of the core material:
A coil wound over a soft iron core has
greater self-inductance than an air-core
coil because iron has higher magnetic
permeability.
o Length of the coil (l):
Self-inductance decreases with an
increase in the length of the coil, as the
magnetic field becomes weaker.
o Cross-sectional area of the coil (A):
Self-inductance increases with an
increase in the cross-sectional area of
the coil because more magnetic flux is
linked.
o Magnetic permeability of the medium
(μ):
Higher permeability of the surrounding
medium increases the self-inductance of
the coil.
o Spacing between the turns:
Closer turns increase the mutual linking
of magnetic flux, thereby increasing
self-inductance.
o Shape of the coil:
The shape and compactness of the coil
affect the distribution of the magnetic
field and hence its self-inductance.
o Frequency of the applied A.C. source:
 Though self-inductance is a property of
the coil, its effect becomes more
prominent at higher frequencies of A.C.

THEORY / PRINCIPLE
“Self-inductance
OF SELF- protects circuits
INDUCTANCE from sudden current
surges..”

1. When an electric current flows through a coil, it produces a magnetic field

around the coil.
2. The magnetic field produced by the coil is associated with magnetic flux linked
with its turns.
3. If the current flowing through the coil changes, the magnetic flux linked with
the coil also changes.
4. According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, a change in magnetic
flux induces an electromotive force (emf) in the circuit.
5. In the case of a single coil, the induced emf is produced in the same coil due to
the change in its own current; this phenomenon is called self-induction.
6. The direction of the induced emf is such that it opposes the change in current
producing it, as stated by Lenz’s law.
7. This opposition to the change in current is the reason why a coil resists sudden
increase or decrease of current in an electrical circuit.
8. The property of a coil due to which it shows self-induction is called self-
inductance.
9. The induced emf is directly proportional to the rate of change of current
flowing through the coil.
10. Mathematically, the induced emf is given by:
dI
e=−L
dt
where Lis the self-inductance of the coil.
11. The negative sign indicates that the induced emf opposes the change in
 current.
12. The SI unit of self-inductance is henry (H).
13. One henry is defined as the self-inductance of a coil in which an emf of 1 volt
is induced when the current changes at the rate of 1 ampere per second.
14. Self-inductance plays an important role in A.C. circuits, transformers,
inductors, and many electrical and electronic devices.
When an electric current flows through a coil, it produces a magnetic field around it.
This magnetic field is associated with magnetic flux linked with the turns of the coil. If
the current in the coil changes due to a change in the applied voltage or frequency of
the A.C. source, the magnetic flux linked with the coil also changes. According to
Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, any change in magnetic flux induces an
electromotive force (emf) in the circuit. In this case, the induced emf is produced in the
same coil due to the change in its own current, and this phenomenon is known as self-
induction.
The direction of the induced emf is such that it opposes the change in current producing
it, as stated by Lenz’s law. This opposing nature of induced emf causes the coil to resist
sudden changes in current. The property of a coil due to which it exhibits self-induction
is called self-inductance. The induced emf is directly proportional to the rate of change
dI
of current flowing through the coil and is given by the relation e=−L , where Lis the
dt
self-inductance of the coil. The SI unit of self-inductance is henry (H), and it plays an
important role in A.C. circuits, transformers, and other electrical devices.

The direction of the induced emf is such that it opposes the change in current producing
it, as stated by Lenz’s law. This opposing nature of induced emf causes the coil to resist
sudden changes in current. The property of a coil due to which it exhibits self-induction
is called self-inductance. The induced emf is directly proportional to the rate of change
dI
of current flowing through the coil and is given by the relation e=−L , where Lis the
dt
self-inductance of the coil. The SI unit of self-inductance is henry (H), and it plays an
important role in A.C. circuits, transformers, and other electrical devices

“Inductors store energy in the form of a

magnetic field..”
 APPARATUS REQUIRED
► Inductor / Coil
A coil of insulated copper wire is used to demonstrate
the phenomenon of self-inductance. The number of
turns and dimensions of the coil affect its self-
inductance.
► A.C. Power Supply
An alternating current source of adjustable frequency is
used to supply A.C. to the circuit and observe the effect
of changing current.
► Electric Bulb / Resistor
A bulb or resistor is connected in series with the coil to
observe the change in brightness or current due to self-
induction.
► Switch / Plug Key
A switch is used to make and break the circuit safely
during the experiment.
► Connecting Wires “Soft
Insulated copper wires are used to connect different
components of the circuit and complete the electrical
iron
connections. cores
► Ammeter increas
An ammeter is used to measure the current flowing e self-
through the circuit and observe changes due to self-
inducta
inductance.
► Voltmeter nce by
A voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference enhanci
across the coil or the resistor in the circuit. ng
► Soft Iron Core magneti
A soft iron core is inserted into the coil to study the
effect of core material on the self-inductance of the coil.
c flux..”
► Rheostat
A rheostat is used to vary the current in the circuit
gradually and study its effect on self-inductance
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP (DESCRIPTION
OF THE CIRCUIT)
The experimental setup The coil used in the circuit is made of
consists of an inductor (coil) insulated copper wire wound
connected in series with an uniformly, and it may be fitted with
electric bulb (or resistor), an an air core or a soft iron core. By
ammeter, a rheostat, and a inserting or removing the soft iron
switch. The entire circuit is core, the effect of the core material
powered by an A.C. source of on self-inductance can be studied.
adjustable frequency. Proper The bulb connected in series serves
insulated connecting wires are
as an indicator of the current flowing
used to ensure safe and secure
through the circuit, as changes in
electrical connections. The
brightness reflect changes in current
ammeter is connected in series
due to self-induction.
to measure the current flowing
through the circuit, while the
rheostat is used to control the
magnitude of current.

When the A.C. supply is switched on, alternating

current flows through the coil, producing a
continuously changing magnetic field. This
changing magnetic field induces an emf in the coil
itself, which opposes the change in current. The
effect of self-inductance can be observed by
varying the frequency of the A.C. source or the
current using the rheostat and noting the
corresponding changes in current or brightness of
the bulb..
PROCEDURE
First, all the necessary apparatus such as the inductor (coil), A.C. power supply,
electric bulb or resistor, ammeter, rheostat, switch, connecting wires, and soft iron
core are collected and checked properly. The inductor used in the experiment
consists of a coil of insulated copper wire wound uniformly. Care is taken to ensure
that all instruments are in proper working condition. The experimental table is
arranged neatly to avoid confusion during the experiment.
The circuit is then set up by connecting the inductor, bulb (or resistor), ammeter,
rheostat, and switch in series with the A.C. power supply using insulated connecting
wires. The ammeter is connected in series to measure the current flowing through
the circuit. The rheostat is included in the circuit to control and vary the current
gradually. All connections are made tightly to ensure good electrical contact and to
prevent sparking or heating of wires. The circuit arrangement is rechecked with the
help of the teacher before switching on the power supply.
Before turning on the A.C. supply, the rheostat is adjusted to its maximum resistance
position. This is an important safety precaution to avoid the sudden flow of a large
current through the circuit, which could damage the instruments or the coil. After
ensuring that the switch is in the OFF position and all connections are correct, the
A.C. power supply is switched on carefully.
As the A.C. supply is switched on, alternating current starts flowing through the coil.
Due to the flow of A.C., a continuously changing magnetic field is produced around
the coil. This changing magnetic field causes a change in magnetic flux linked with
the coil, resulting in the induction of an emf in the same coil. The induced emf
opposes the change in current, which is the phenomenon of self-induction. The
effect of self-inductance is observed by noting the reading of the ammeter and the
brightness of the bulb.
The rheostat is then adjusted slowly to vary the current flowing through the circuit.
As the current is increased or decreased, the corresponding changes in the ammeter
reading are observed carefully. The brightness of the bulb also changes, indicating
the effect of self-inductance on the current. The observations are noted down
carefully. The experiment clearly shows that the coil opposes sudden changes in
current due to self-induced emf.
Next, the frequency of the A.C. source is changed, if the power supply allows. With
an increase in frequency, the rate of change of current increases, resulting in a
greater opposing emf due to self-induction. The change in current and bulb
brightness is observed again. This step helps in understanding the effect of
frequency on the behavior of the coil in an A.C. circuit.
After this, a soft iron core is inserted into the coil. The presence of a soft iron core
increases the magnetic permeability, which in turn increases the magnetic flux linked
with the coil. Due to this increase in magnetic flux, the self-inductance of the coil
increases. The ammeter reading and bulb brightness are observed again and
compared with the previous observations made without the iron core. A noticeable
change confirms the effect of core material on self-inductance.
The soft iron core is then removed from the coil, and the observations are repeated
to compare the results. This comparison helps in verifying that self-inductance
depends on the physical properties of the coil and the surrounding medium. All
observations are recorded systematically in the observation table.
Finally, after completing all the observations, the rheostat is brought back to its
maximum resistance position. The A.C. power supply is switched off, and the circuit
is dismantled carefully. All apparatus are returned to their proper places. The
observations are analyzed to draw the final result of the experiment.

“The
greater the
frequency, the
stronger the effect
of self-inductance.
“
OBSERVATIONS AND RESULT
When the A.C. supply is switched
on, the current in the circuit
increases gradually and the bulb
does not glow with full brightness
immediately, indicating the
presence of self-induction in the
coil. On varying the current and
frequency of the A.C. source,
noticeable changes are observed
in the ammeter reading and bulb
brightness. Inserting a soft iron
core into the coil reduces the
current further, while removing it
increases the current again.
These observations show that the
coil opposes changes in current
and that self-inductance depends
on factors such as core material
and frequency.

Observation

When the A.C. supply is switched on, the bulb connected in series with the
coil does not glow with full brightness immediately. This indicates that the coil
opposes the sudden change in current due to self-induction.

 The ammeter shows a gradual increase in current instead of a sudden

rise, confirming the presence of self-induced emf in the coil.
 On increasing the current gradually using the rheostat, a corresponding
change is observed in the ammeter reading and bulb brightness.
 When the frequency of the A.C. supply is increased, the current
flowing through the circuit decreases and the brightness of the bulb
reduces. This shows that the effect of self-inductance increases with
frequency.
 When a soft iron core is inserted into the coil, the brightness of the bulb
further decreases and the ammeter reading reduces.
 The reduction in current after inserting the iron core indicates an
increase in self-inductance due to higher magnetic permeability of iron.
 On removing the soft iron core, the bulb glows brighter again and the
ammeter reading increases, showing a decrease in self-inductance.
 The experiment shows that the coil strongly opposes changes in
current, especially at higher frequencies and with a magnetic core.
PRECAUTIONS AND “Changing current
SOURCES OF ERROR creates changing
PRECAUTIONS magnetic flux, leading
Before starting the experiment, it is essential to ensure that all the
apparatus used in the circuit are in proper working condition. The
to self-induction.”
connecting wires should be well insulated and free from any cuts or
damages to avoid short circuits or electric shocks. All electrical
connections must be tight and secure so that there is no loose contact,
which may cause fluctuation in readings or sparking at the terminals.

The rheostat should always be set at its maximum resistance position

before switching on the A.C. power supply. This precaution helps in
preventing a sudden surge of current through the circuit, which could
damage the inductor, measuring instruments, or the bulb. The power
supply should be switched on and off carefully, and sudden changes in
voltage should be avoided to ensure the safety of the apparatus and
accuracy of observations.

Proper care should be taken while connecting the ammeter and

voltmeter in the circuit. The ammeter must always be connected in
series and the voltmeter in parallel with correct polarity. Incorrect
connections may lead to wrong readings or permanent damage to the
instruments. The range of the measuring instruments should be
selected appropriately to avoid overloading.

The soft iron core should be inserted into and removed from the coil
gently. Rough handling may damage the coil or disturb the uniform
winding of the wire. The coil and other components should not be SOURCES OF ERROR
allowed to heat excessively during the experiment, as heating can 1. Loose or improper electrical
change the resistance of the wire and affect the accuracy of the connections may affect the current
results. Therefore, the circuit should not be kept switched on for a long readings.
time continuously. 2. Internal resistance of the instruments
may introduce errors in observations.
Observations should be recorded only after the ammeter readings and
bulb brightness become steady. Care must be taken to avoid parallax 3. Fluctuations in the A.C. power supply
may cause variation in readings.
error while noting readings from the instruments. External magnetic
fields and unnecessary disturbances near the experimental setup 4. Heating of the coil during the
should be avoided, as they may influence the magnetic field of the coil. experiment may change its resistance.
Finally, after completing the experiment, the power supply should be 5. Inaccurate calibration of measuring
switched off and the circuit should be dismantled carefully to ensure instruments can lead to incorrect
safety. results.

6. External magnetic fields may

slightly influence the behavior
of the coil.
 RESULT
From the observations made during the experiment, it is clearly
concluded that the phenomenon of self-inductance plays a
significant role in opposing the change in current flowing through
a coil. When the A.C. supply is switched on, the current in the
circuit does not rise suddenly, and the bulb connected in series
with the coil does not glow with full brightness immediately. This
behavior confirms the presence of self-induced electromotive
force (emf) in the coil, which opposes the change in current
according to Lenz’s law.
It is observed that when the current in the circuit is varied
gradually using the rheostat, corresponding changes occur in the
ammeter reading and bulb brightness. This shows that the coil
“A coil resists resists both the increase and decrease of current. The experiment
change in also demonstrates that the effect of self-inductance becomes
more prominent with an increase in the frequency of the A.C.
current by source. At higher frequencies, the rate of change of current is
inducing an greater, resulting in a larger opposing emf and hence a reduced
current in the circuit.
opposing emf
The insertion of a soft iron core into the coil leads to a noticeable
within itself. decrease in the current and brightness of the bulb. This indicates
an increase in self-inductance due to the higher magnetic
permeability of the iron core, which increases the magnetic flux
linked with the coil. On removing the iron core, the current
increases again, confirming that the nature of the core material
significantly affects the self-inductance of the coil.
Thus, the experiment successfully verifies that the self-inductance
of a coil depends on various factors such as the number of turns of
the coil, the nature of the core material, dimensions of the coil,
and the frequency of the applied A.C. source. The results obtained
are in good agreement with the theoretical principles of
electromagnetic induction. This experiment highlights the
importance of self-inductance in A.C. circuits and its practical
applications in electrical and electronic devices.
Conclusion
From this experiment, it is concluded that self-inductance is an
important property of a coil by which it opposes any change in the
current flowing through it. When an alternating current passes
through a coil, a changing magnetic field is produced, which
induces an electromotive force in the same coil. This self-induced
emf always acts in a direction opposite to the change in current,
thereby resisting sudden variations in current.
The experiment clearly shows that the self-inductance of a coil
depends on several physical factors. The insertion of a soft iron
core increases the self-inductance due to higher magnetic
permeability, resulting in a decrease in current. An increase in the
frequency of the A.C. source also increases the effect of self-
inductance. Thus, the experimental observations are in good
agreement with the theoretical principles of electromagnetic
induction, proving the importance of self-inductance in A.C.
circuits and electrical devices.

CONCLUSION (Points)
1. Self-inductance is the property of a coil to oppose changes in
current flowing through it.
2. A changing current in a coil produces a changing magnetic
flux, which induces an emf in the same coil.
3. The induced emf always opposes the change in current
according to Lenz’s law.
4. The effect of self-inductance is more prominent in A.C.
circuits than in D.C. circuits.
5. Self-inductance increases with the use of a soft iron core.
6. An increase in frequency of the A.C. source increases the
opposing effect of self-inductance.
7. The experimental results verify the theoretical laws of electr
Bibliography

Bibliography

1.  NCERT Physics Textbook, Class XII, Part-II,

National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New
Delhi.
2.  CBSE Physics Laboratory Manual,
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
3.  Verma, H. C., Concepts of Physics, Part-II,
Bharati Bhawan Publications.
4.  Arora, S. L., Physics for Class XII,
S. Chand Publications.
5.  Reference materials and educational content provided by the school
laboratory and teacher.
6.  Educational websites and online study resources used for conceptual
understanding.
7.

The end
“thank you “