Definition
The property of an electrical circuit, usually associated with a coil of wire, that opposes any change in current flow by storing energy in a magnetic field. Inductance is measured in henries (H).
Plain English
It's the tendency of a wire coil to resist sudden changes in the electricity flowing through it. When current tries to rise or fall, the coil pushes back briefly before letting the change happen.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical system discussions, especially with coils, relays, alternators, ignition parts, and troubleshooting of changing current.
Derivation
From Latin 'inducere,' meaning 'to lead in' or 'bring about.' The name reflects how a changing current 'induces' a magnetic field, and a changing magnetic field in turn induces a voltage that opposes the change. The word captures the back-and-forth relationship between current and magnetism.
Why Pilots Care
Aircraft ignition and charging systems depend on inductance to generate high voltage or regulate current; poor understanding can lead to misdiagnosis of magneto or alternator faults.
Analogy
Think of inductance like the inertia of a heavy flywheel. Once it's spinning, it resists slowing down; when it's stopped, it resists speeding up. A coil does the same thing with electric current.
Intuition Check
Inductance is not the same as resistance. Resistance opposes current flow itself; inductance opposes changes in current flow.
Example Sentence 1
The high inductance of the magneto's primary coil produces the strong voltage spike needed to fire the spark plugs.
Example Sentence 2
When current stops flowing through an inductor in the alternator circuit, inductance causes a brief voltage spike that must be managed by the regulator.