How does inductance typically affect electrical circuits?

Inductance is a property of electrical circuits that arises from the interaction between electric current and magnetic fields. When current flows through an inductor, it generates a magnetic field around it. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, any change in the current flowing through an inductor will induce a voltage in opposition to that change. This is known as self-inductance.

Therefore, inducing a voltage that opposes changes in current flow means that inductance effectively resists alterations to the current. This behavior is fundamental in AC (alternating current) circuits, where the current changes direction periodically. As a result, inductance plays a key role in the dynamic response of circuits, helping to smooth out current variations and making it crucial in applications such as transformers, inductors in power supplies, and in the tuning of radio frequencies.

Understanding that inductance opposes changes in current flow can help in designing circuits and creating reliable electrical systems, particularly in scenarios where current stability is necessary.