A plot of magnetic flux (ϕ) versus current (I) is shown in the figure for two inductors A and B. Which of the two has the larger value of self-inductance?
Answer: Inductor A has the larger self-inductance.
Solution
For an inductor the flux linkage is ϕ=LI, so the slope of a ϕ–I graph equals the self-inductance L=ϕ/I. Line A is steeper than line B, i.e. it has the greater slope. Hence inductor A has the larger self-inductance.