When electric current flows through an inductor, energy is stored in which form?

When electric current flows through an inductor, energy is stored in the form of a magnetic field. An inductor, typically made of a coil of wire, generates a magnetic field around itself as current passes through the wire. This magnetic field represents the energy associated with the inductor, and it is directly related to the amount of current flowing through it and the inductance of the coil.

The magnetic field is crucial because it allows the inductor to resist changes in current. When current changes, the magnetic field also changes, inducing a voltage (back EMF) that opposes the change in current. This principle is a fundamental aspect of how inductors operate in electrical circuits, providing reactive energy storage. The energy stored in the magnetic field can be released back into the circuit when needed, making inductors essential components in many applications such as filters, oscillators, and power supplies.