Physics Project: To Study the Factors on Which the Self-Inductance of a Coil

Depends

Certificate
This is to certify that the investigatory project titled “To Study the Factors on Which the
Self-Inductance of a Coil Depends” is a genuine work of [Your Name], a student of Class
12, under the guidance of [Teacher’s Name] (PGT Physics). This project is submitted as part
of the Physics curriculum for the academic year 2024-2025.
Date: __________
Signature of the Teacher: ____________________
Signature of the Examiner: ____________________

Declaration
I hereby declare that the project work titled “To Study the Factors on Which the Self-
Inductance of a Coil Depends” is an authentic record of my own work, carried out under
the guidance of my Physics teacher, [Teacher’s Name] (PGT Physics). All references and
resources used have been duly acknowledged.
[Your Name]
Class 12
Date: __________

Acknowledgement
I express my sincere gratitude to [Teacher’s Name] (PGT Physics) for their invaluable
guidance throughout this project. I also thank my school, parents, and friends for their
constant encouragement and support.

Aim of the Project

To study the factors on which the self-inductance of a coil depends by observing the effects of
the coil when put in series with a resistor in a circuit fed by an AC source of adjustable
frequency.

Objective
1. To understand the concept of self-inductance and its dependence on various factors.
2. To observe how self-inductance affects the current in a circuit with an AC source.
3. To analyze the role of frequency, number of turns, core material, and dimensions of the
coil in determining self-inductance.

Introduction
Self-inductance is the property of a coil by which it opposes any change in the current flowing
through it. This phenomenon is due to the magnetic field produced by the coil, which induces
an electromotive force (EMF) in the coil itself. The magnitude of self-inductance depends on
various factors such as the number of turns, the core material, the cross-sectional area of the
coil, and the frequency of the applied AC source.

Apparatus Required
 AC source with adjustable frequency
 Resistor
 Inductor coil (with adjustable parameters like number of turns and core material)
 Multimeter
 Connecting wires
 Breadboard

Theory
Self-inductance (‘L’) is given by the formula:
L=μN2AlL = \frac{{\mu N^2 A}}{{l}}
Where:
 L = Self-inductance of the coil (Henry, H)
 μ = Permeability of the core material (H/m)
 N = Number of turns in the coil
 A = Cross-sectional area of the coil (m²)
 l = Length of the coil (m)
Dependence of Self-Inductance:
1. Number of Turns (N): Self-inductance is directly proportional to the square of the
number of turns.
2. Core Material (μ): The permeability of the material used in the core significantly
affects the inductance.
3. Cross-Sectional Area (A): A larger area increases the inductance.
4. Length of the Coil (l): Self-inductance is inversely proportional to the length of the
coil.
5. Frequency of AC Source (f): The reactance of the inductor changes with frequency,
which indirectly reflects the role of self-inductance.

Procedure
1. Setup:
o Connect the inductor coil in series with a resistor in a circuit with an AC source.

o Ensure the AC source has an adjustable frequency.

2. Observation with Frequency:

 o Vary the frequency of the AC source and observe the voltage across the resistor
and the coil.
o Note how the current in the circuit changes with frequency.

3. Observation with Number of Turns:

o Change the number of turns of the coil (if adjustable) and repeat the experiment.

o Record the changes in current and voltage across the resistor and coil.

4. Observation with Core Material:

o Insert different core materials (air, iron, etc.) into the coil and repeat the
experiment.
o Record the corresponding changes in current and voltage.

5. Observation with Coil Dimensions:

o Vary the dimensions of the coil (length or cross-sectional area) and repeat the
experiment.
o Record the changes in the circuit behavior.

Observations

Effect on Self-
Parameter Change Observed
Inductance

Increase in frequency decreases

Frequency (f) Reactance increases
current

Increase in turns reduces current Self-inductance

Number of Turns (N)
significantly increases

Iron core reduces current more than air Self-inductance

Core Material (μ)
core increases

Cross-Sectional Area Self-inductance

Larger area reduces current more
(A) increases

Self-inductance
Length of Coil (l) Longer coil reduces the effect
decreases

Results
1. Self-inductance is directly proportional to the square of the number of turns and the
permeability of the core material.
2. Self-inductance increases with the cross-sectional area and decreases with the length of
the coil.
3. The reactance of the coil increases with the frequency of the AC source, reducing the
current in the circuit.

Sources of Error
1. Inaccuracies in measuring voltage and current.
 2. Variations in the core material’s permeability.
3. Imperfect alignment of the coil in the circuit.

Precautions
1. Ensure all connections are secure and free of resistance losses.
2. Use precise instruments to measure voltage, current, and frequency.
3. Avoid overheating the coil by limiting the duration of the experiment.

Conclusion
The experiment successfully demonstrates that the self-inductance of a coil depends on
multiple factors such as the number of turns, core material, cross-sectional area, length of the
coil, and the frequency of the applied AC source.

Bibliography
1. NCERT Physics Textbook for Class 12.
2. Practical Physics by [Author’s Name].
3. Online resources: Physics Tutorials and Research Articles.