Final answer:
Self-inductance is the property of a coil that induces an electromotive force in itself when the current through it changes, based on Faraday's law of induction and Lenz's law. This phenomenon is quantified by the self-inductance, measured in henries (H), indicating the coil's resistance to changes in current.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intuition behind self-inductance is based on Faraday's law of induction, which is a fundamental principle showing how a change in a magnetic environment of a coil will produce an electromotive force (emf) in the coil itself.
If the current through a coil increases, its magnetic field and flux increase, leading to the induction of a counter emf that opposes the change in current, as stated by Lenz's law. Conversely, a decrease in current induces an emf that opposes the decrease.
The change in flux is due to the change in current through the device, which has a fixed geometry. This relationship is quantified by the formula emf = -L(ΔI/Δt), where L is the self-inductance of the inductor, and ΔI/Δt is the rate of change of current.
The unit for self-inductance is the henry (H). It reflects the opposition of the device to changes in current. For example, a coil with many turns and an iron core will have a large self-inductance and resists rapid current changes, which is sometimes undesirable. Devices aiming to minimize opposing effects to current change may employ techniques such as counterwinding coils.