Inductor vs. Conductor — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
An inductor is a passive electrical component storing energy in a magnetic field, while a conductor is a material that allows the flow of electrical current.
Difference Between Inductor and Conductor
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An inductor, also known as a coil or reactor, is a passive electronic component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it. A conductor, on the other hand, is a material or substance that allows the free flow of electric charge or electric current.
Inductors are typically made by coiling a wire, often around a magnetic core. This design enhances their ability to store magnetic energy. Conductors are materials like copper or aluminum, known for their low resistance and high ability to conduct electricity.
In electronic circuits, an inductor is used to control or filter high-frequency signals, store energy, and induce voltages. A conductor is fundamental for creating connections and pathways for current to travel within electronic circuits.
Inductors are characterized by their inductance, measured in Henry (H), which depends on the number of turns in the coil and the core material. Conductors are characterized by their electrical conductivity and low resistance.
Inductors find applications in transformers, power supplies, and radio frequency circuits. Conductors are ubiquitous in all electrical and electronic applications, serving as wires, cables, and connectors.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A passive component that stores energy in a magnetic field.
A material that allows the flow of electrical current.
Function in Circuits
Used for filtering, energy storage, and inducing voltages.
Used to create pathways for current flow.
Key Property
Characterized by inductance.
Characterized by electrical conductivity and low resistance.
Physical Form
Typically a coiled wire, often around a magnetic core.
Any material with low resistance, like copper or aluminum.
Measurement Unit
Inductance is measured in Henry (H).
Conductivity is often measured in Siemens per meter (S/m).
Compare with Definitions
Inductor
An inductor, often a coil around a core, stores magnetic energy.
The transformer’s inductor transferred energy efficiently.
Conductor
A conductor is a material that allows the easy flow of electric current.
Copper wires, being excellent conductors, are widely used in electronics.
Inductor
An inductor is a coil of wire storing energy in a magnetic field.
The inductor in the circuit prevented high-frequency noise.
Conductor
A conductor is an object or material with minimal resistance to electric flow.
Aluminum, a good conductor, is used in power transmission lines.
Inductor
An inductor is a device that induces electromotive force (EMF) when the current changes.
The inductor created a back EMF opposing the current change.
Conductor
A conductor is any substance with free charge carriers facilitating electrical conductivity.
Saltwater acted as a conductor in the experiment.
Inductor
An inductor is a passive electronic component influencing the phase and amplitude of a circuit's current.
We added an inductor to smooth the power supply.
Conductor
A conductor is a medium through which electrical energy is transmitted.
The gold connectors worked well as conductors in the circuit.
Inductor
An inductor, also called a coil, choke, or reactor, is a passive two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it. An inductor typically consists of an insulated wire wound into a coil.
Conductor
A conductor is a substance that can carry electrical current efficiently.
The silver conductor ensured minimal energy loss.
Inductor
A device that functions by or introduces inductance into an electric circuit.
Conductor
One who is in charge of a railroad train, bus, or streetcar.
Inductor
The chemical reactant that initiates or accelerates an induced reaction and is consumed in the process.
Conductor
(Music) One who directs an orchestra or other such group.
Inductor
(electronics) A passive device that introduces inductance into an electrical circuit.
Conductor
(Physics) A substance or medium that conducts heat, light, sound, or especially an electric charge.
Inductor
(medicine) an evocator or an organizer
Conductor
A lightning rod, as on a house or barn.
Inductor
The person who inducts another into an office or benefice.
Conductor
One who conducts or leads; a guide; a director.
Inductor
That portion of an electrical apparatus, in which is the inducing charge or current.
Conductor
(music) A person who conducts an orchestra, choir or other music ensemble; a professional whose occupation is conducting.
Inductor
An electrical device that introduces inductance into a circuit
Conductor
(rail transport) A person who takes tickets on public transportation and also helps passengers.
Train conductor
Tram conductor
Inductor
An inductor is a coil used in circuits for filtering or tuning applications.
The radio’s clarity improved after adjusting the inductor.
Conductor
(physics) Something that can transmit electricity, heat, light, or sound.
Conductor
(mathematics) An ideal of a ring that measures how far it is from being integrally closed
Conductor
A grooved sound or staff used for directing instruments, such as lithontriptic forceps; a director.
Conductor
(architecture) A leader.
Conductor
One who, or that which, conducts; a leader; a commander; a guide; a manager; a director.
Zeal, the blind conductor of the will.
Conductor
One in charge of a public conveyance, as of a railroad train or a street car.
Conductor
The leader or director of an orchestra or chorus.
Conductor
A substance or body capable of being a medium for the transmission of certain forces, esp. heat or electricity; specifically, a lightning rod.
Conductor
A grooved sound or staff used for directing instruments, as lithontriptic forceps, etc.; a director.
Conductor
Same as Leader.
Conductor
The person who leads a musical group
Conductor
A device designed to transmit electricity, heat, etc.
Conductor
A substance that readily conducts e.g. electricity and heat
Conductor
The person who collects fares on a public conveyance
Common Curiosities
What is an inductor?
An inductor is a passive component that stores energy in a magnetic field.
Do inductors have resistance?
Yes, inductors have some resistance due to the wire they are made from.
What are conductors made of?
Conductors are usually made of metals like copper or aluminum.
How does an inductor work?
An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it.
What is inductance?
Inductance is the property of an inductor that quantifies its ability to store magnetic energy.
What are the properties of a good conductor?
Good conductors have high electrical conductivity and low resistance.
What is a conductor?
A conductor is a material that allows the flow of electrical current.
Why are conductors important?
Conductors are essential for creating pathways for electricity to travel in circuits.
Can inductors block DC current?
Inductors do not block DC current but impede changes in current, especially AC.
Can conductors be liquids?
Yes, some liquids, like saltwater, can act as conductors.
What's the unit of inductance?
The unit of inductance is Henry (H).
Can inductors store energy indefinitely?
No, inductors cannot store energy indefinitely due to resistance and other losses.
Do inductors generate heat?
Inductors can generate heat due to resistance in the coil.
Are all metals conductors?
Most metals are conductors, but there are exceptions like bismuth.
Are semiconductors considered conductors?
Semiconductors have conductivity between conductors and insulators, so they are not typical conductors.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
