Ideal inductor energy dissipation concept: An ideal inductor is a lossless element that stores energy in its magnetic field but does not dissipate energy as heat. Evaluate whether this statement is correct.

Introduction / Context:
Component idealizations are used in circuit theory to separate storage from loss. The ideal inductor is defined to have purely inductive reactance with no series resistance and no core losses. Understanding this ideal is essential before adding real-world parasitics in power electronics, filters, and RF design.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Inductor is ideal: R_series = 0, core losses = 0.
• It stores energy as E = 0.5 * L * I^2.
• Any heat generation is ignored in the ideal model.

Concept / Approach:
A lossless reactive element exchanges energy with the source each cycle without net dissipation. For an ideal inductor, voltage and current are 90 degrees out of phase in steady-state sinusoidal excitation; average power over a cycle is zero because instantaneous power alternates positive and negative symmetrically. In time domain, the inductor’s energy increases or decreases with I^2 but is not converted to heat in the ideal case.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare with a resistor where P = I^2 * R > 0 always. Setting R = 0 (ideal inductor) eliminates the mechanism for heat dissipation, leaving only storage and release of magnetic energy.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Incorrect: Conflicts with the definition of an ideal inductor.
• True only at 50 Hz / superconducting wire: Idealization is frequency-independent; superconductivity is not required in theory.
• Depends on core saturation: Saturation affects inductance value and waveforms but does not introduce idealized loss.

Common Pitfalls:
Mixing the ideal concept with real inductors that have copper and core losses; assuming “no dissipation” means “no energy” (it stores, but does not dissipate).

Final Answer:
Correct