How is inductance defined in electrical circuits?

Inductance is defined as the property of an electrical circuit that opposes changes in the current flowing through it. When the current passing through an inductor changes, a magnetic field is created around the coil of wire that generates voltage in the opposite direction according to Lenz's Law. This behavior is crucial in circuits where the flow of current needs to be controlled or when dealing with alternating current (AC) applications. Inductance helps stabilize the current and resulting magnetic fields, which is essential for devices such as transformers and electrical coils.

For clarity, the other definitions do not accurately capture the concept of inductance. Maximum voltage in a waveform refers to voltage levels rather than how current behaves in inductive scenarios. The flow of current in a conductor does describe current but does not address the reactive aspect of inductance. Total resistance in a circuit is a measure of how much a circuit opposes current flow, but it does not relate specifically to the dynamic nature of inductance.