Definition
A high-voltage surge produced across a coil or other inductor at the moment current flowing through it is suddenly interrupted. The collapsing magnetic field induces a voltage that can be many times greater than the original supply voltage, and of opposite polarity.
Plain English
When you suddenly cut off the electricity flowing through a coil, the magnetic field around it collapses and produces a brief, very high voltage spike in the wires.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical and ignition system discussions, especially around coils, relays, solenoids, magnetos, and switch contacts.
Derivation
From induction, the process by which a changing magnetic field creates a voltage in a nearby conductor. The word kick reflects the sharp, sudden nature of the voltage spike — it arrives as a jolt rather than a steady output.
Why Pilots Care
It generates the spark voltage in magnetos and can damage circuits if not properly controlled by suppression devices.
Analogy
It is like stretching a rubber band and then letting it snap back. The energy was stored while it was stretched, and when released it comes back suddenly.
Grounding Statement
Picture a switch opening in a coil circuit: the current stops, the magnetic field collapses, and a sharp voltage pulse appears for an instant.
Intuition Check
Inductive kick is not a physical kick or vibration. It is a sudden electrical voltage spike caused by a collapsing magnetic field.
Example Sentence 1
When the magneto's primary circuit is broken by the breaker points, the resulting inductive kick in the secondary winding produces the high voltage that fires the spark plug.
Example Sentence 2
A suppression diode is installed across the relay to absorb the inductive kick and protect the circuit.