In electrical terms, what does an inductor do?

An inductor is a passive electrical component that primarily functions by storing electrical energy in a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it. This occurs due to the principle of electromagnetic induction, where the change in current creates a magnetic field around the inductor. When the current changes, the magnetic field also changes, and this change induces a voltage that opposes the change in current, a phenomenon described by Lenz's Law.

This specific ability to store energy in a magnetic field makes inductors essential in various applications, particularly in alternating current (AC) circuits and in filters, where they help manage and stabilize current flow. The storage of energy in this form is fundamentally different from how capacitors operate, which store energy in an electric field, emphasizing the unique role that inductors play in electrical systems.