What is an inductor?

An inductor is fundamentally a component designed to introduce inductance into an electrical circuit. Inductance is the property of an electrical conductor that opposes a change in current flowing through it, which leads to the storage of energy in a magnetic field. This essential characteristic makes inductors valuable in various applications, such as filtering, energy storage, and managing the behavior of alternating current (AC) in circuits.

When a current passes through an inductor, it creates a magnetic field, and if the current changes, this magnetic field induces a voltage that opposes that change in current according to Lenz's Law. Hence, inductors can influence current flow and help in tuning circuits, mitigating noise, or creating oscillating circuits when paired with capacitors.

The correct choice reflects the fundamental role of inductors in electrical engineering, showcasing their purpose far beyond merely being a measurement tool or simply restricting flow like a resistor. Understanding inductors helps grasp more complex concepts in circuit design and analysis.