Final answer:
The energy stored in an inductor is calculated using the formula UL = 1/2 LI². For example, a coil with 3.0 H inductance carrying a 2.0 A current has 6 joules of energy stored in its magnetic field.
Step-by-step explanation:
Energy Stored in an Inductor
The energy stored by an inductor can be represented by the formula UL = 1/2 LI², where L is the inductance of the inductor and I is the current flowing through it. This formula shows that the energy (Eind) stored in the magnetic field of an inductor is directly proportional to both the inductance and the square of the current. To find the energy stored in an example scenario: a coil with a self-inductance of 3.0 H with a current of 2.0 A flowing through it, we use the formula Eind = 1/2 × L × I². Thus, Eind = 1/2 × 3.0 H × (2.0 A)² = 6 joules.