What does the henry measure in electrical terms?

The henry is a unit of measurement used to quantify inductance in electrical circuits. Inductance refers to the property of an electrical conductor whereby a change in current through the conductor produces an electromotive force (EMF) in both the conductor itself and in adjacent conductors due to the magnetic field created by the current.

In practical terms, one henry is defined as the amount of inductance required to induce an electromotive force of one volt when the current flowing through the inductor changes at the rate of one ampere per second. This relationship highlights the fundamental connection between current, changing magnetic fields, and induced voltages.

Understanding inductance and its measurement is crucial in various applications, including electrical engineering and circuit design, especially in the context of transformers, inductors, and other components that rely on magnetic fields for their operation.