Induced voltage from current slope: A 120 mH coil carries a current changing at 150 mA/s. What magnitude of voltage is induced across the coil?

Electronics Inductors Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    180 mV
  • B
    18 mV
  • C
    1.25 mV
  • D
    1.8 mV

Answer

Correct Answer: 18 mV

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Inductor voltage magnitude is proportional to the rate of change of current. Even relatively small slopes (in A/s) across moderate inductances generate measurable millivolt levels, which matter in precision analog design and sensor front-ends.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • L = 120 mH = 0.12 H.
  • di/dt = 150 mA/s = 0.15 A/s.
  • We seek |v| = L * |di/dt|; polarity depends on Lenz's law and is not requested.

Concept / Approach:Use v = L * di/dt with consistent SI units. Multiply henries by amperes per second to get volts directly.

Step-by-Step Solution:

v = 0.12 * 0.15 = 0.018 V.0.018 V = 18 mV.

Verification / Alternative check:Order-of-magnitude: 0.1 H * 0.1 A/s = 0.01 V (10 mV). Our numbers are slightly larger, giving 18 mV, which is reasonable.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 180 mV: Off by a factor of 10.
  • 1.8 mV and 1.25 mV: Too small; likely from arithmetic or prefix errors.

Common Pitfalls:

  • Mistaking mA/s for A/s or mH for H, causing 10× or 100× errors.

Final Answer:18 mV

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