Electronics Measurement: Inductance and Henrys

Inductance is only a momentary thing. Exactly how much of a momentary thing depends on the amount of inductance an inductor has. Inductance is measured in units called henrys.


The definition of one henry is simple: One henry is the amount of inductance necessary to induce one volt when the current in coil changes at a rate of one ampere per second.


As you might guess, one henry is a fairly large inductor. Inductors in the single-digit henry range are often used when dealing with household current (120 VAC at 60 Hz). But for most electronics work, you'll use inductances measured in thousandths of a henry (millihenrys, abbreviated mH) or in millionths of a henry (microhenrys, abbreviated μH).


Here are a few additional things to know about inductors and henrys:



  • The plural of henry is henrys, not henries.



  • The letter L is often used to represent inductance in formulas. Inductors in schematic diagrams are usually referenced by the letter L. For example, if a circuit calls for three inductors, they will be identified L1, L2, and L3.



  • The henry is named after Joseph Henry, the person who discovered self-inductance and invented the inductor.



  • This is the symbol used to represent inductors in a schematic diagram:


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Source:http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/electronics-measurement-inductance-and-henrys.html

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