Conductor vs. Inductor: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
A conductor is a material that allows the flow of electric charge, while an inductor is a component in an electrical circuit that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.
Key Differences
A conductor is a substance, body, or device that readily conducts heat, electricity, or sound. It is typically made from metals like copper or aluminum which have free electrons, allowing electric charge to flow with minimal resistance. On the other hand, an inductor is a passive electrical component used to store energy in a magnetic field created by the electric current passing through it. Inductors are typically coils of wire and are integral parts of circuits, especially in alternating current (AC) applications.
Conductors are essential for the formation of electrical circuits as they allow the flow of electric current between components. They are characterized by their conductivity, which is the ability to conduct electric current. Inductors, in contrast, are characterized by their inductance, which is the ability to store energy in a magnetic field and oppose changes in current flowing through them. The function of an inductor is closely related to the magnetic field it produces, which is absent in the function of a conductor.
In terms of application, conductors are ubiquitous and found in everyday devices like wires, cables, and electrical appliances, enabling the devices to function by allowing the flow of electricity. Inductors have specialized applications, often found in transformers, radios, and filters, where they store and release energy and filter signals in electrical circuits. The presence of inductors in circuits introduces inductive reactance, which affects the phase relationship between voltage and current.
In summarizing the characteristics of conductors and inductors, it’s pivotal to note that while conductors allow the easy flow of electrical current, offering minimal resistance, inductors resist changes in electric current, storing energy in the form of a magnetic field. The utilization of conductors is more generalized and widespread, whereas inductors are applied in specific areas where the control and manipulation of electric current and magnetic fields are necessary.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Material allowing the flow of electric charge.
Component storing energy in a magnetic field created by electric current.
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Function
Allows easy flow of electrical current.
Opposes changes in electric current and stores energy.
Characteristic Property
Conductivity
Inductance
Application
Widespread in electrical circuits and appliances.
Specific applications like transformers and filters.
Presence in Circuit
Introduces minimal resistance.
Introduces inductive reactance.
Conductor and Inductor Definitions
Conductor
An object or type of material that permits flow of electrical currents.
The wire conductor connects the electrical components in the circuit.
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Inductor
A component in an electrical circuit that stores energy in a magnetic field.
The inductor is capable of storing energy when current flows through it.
Conductor
A person who collects fares on a public conveyance.
The conductor verified all the passengers’ tickets.
Inductor
A passive two-terminal electrical component used to store energy electromagnetically.
When the current flows through the inductor, a magnetic field is established around it.
Conductor
A material that allows the flow of electric charge.
Copper is a good conductor of electricity.
Inductor
A device that introduces inductive reactance to a circuit.
By varying the inductor value, the resonant frequency of the circuit can be changed.
Conductor
A substance that readily transfers heat or sound.
Metals are often conductors of heat.
Inductor
A component in electrical circuits often used in filter and transformer applications.
The inductor in the transformer steps up the voltage in the circuit.
Conductor
One who is in charge of a railroad train, bus, or streetcar.
Inductor
A coil or winding that introduces inductance to a circuit.
The inductor in the circuit caused a phase shift between voltage and current.
Conductor
(Music) One who directs an orchestra or other such group.
Inductor
A device that functions by or introduces inductance into an electric circuit.
Conductor
(Physics) A substance or medium that conducts heat, light, sound, or especially an electric charge.
Inductor
The chemical reactant that initiates or accelerates an induced reaction and is consumed in the process.
Conductor
A lightning rod, as on a house or barn.
Inductor
(electronics) A passive device that introduces inductance into an electrical circuit.
Conductor
One who conducts or leads; a guide; a director.
Inductor
(medicine) an evocator or an organizer
Conductor
(music) A person who conducts an orchestra, choir or other music ensemble; a professional whose occupation is conducting.
Inductor
The person who inducts another into an office or benefice.
Conductor
(rail transport) A person who takes tickets on public transportation and also helps passengers.
Train conductor
Tram conductor
Inductor
That portion of an electrical apparatus, in which is the inducing charge or current.
Conductor
(physics) Something that can transmit electricity, heat, light, or sound.
Inductor
An electrical device that introduces inductance into a circuit
Conductor
(mathematics) An ideal of a ring that measures how far it is from being integrally closed
Conductor
A grooved sound or staff used for directing instruments, such as lithontriptic forceps; a director.
Conductor
(architecture) A leader.
Conductor
One who, or that which, conducts; a leader; a commander; a guide; a manager; a director.
Zeal, the blind conductor of the will.
Conductor
One in charge of a public conveyance, as of a railroad train or a street car.
Conductor
The leader or director of an orchestra or chorus.
Conductor
A substance or body capable of being a medium for the transmission of certain forces, esp. heat or electricity; specifically, a lightning rod.
Conductor
A grooved sound or staff used for directing instruments, as lithontriptic forceps, etc.; a director.
Conductor
Same as Leader.
Conductor
The person who leads a musical group
Conductor
A device designed to transmit electricity, heat, etc.
Conductor
A substance that readily conducts e.g. electricity and heat
Conductor
The person who collects fares on a public conveyance
Conductor
A leader of a musical ensemble.
The conductor led the orchestra in a magnificent symphony.
FAQs
Is an inductor a passive component?
Yes, an inductor is considered a passive two-terminal electrical component.
Can materials like plastic or rubber be conductors?
Typically no, plastic and rubber are insulators as they do not readily allow the flow of electric charge.
What is the main purpose of an inductor in a circuit?
The main purpose of an inductor is to store energy in a magnetic field and oppose changes in electric current.
Can a conductor be an insulator under different conditions?
Yes, under conditions like extremely low temperatures, some conductors can act as insulators.
Are inductors used in DC circuits?
Inductors are primarily used in AC circuits, but they can be found in DC circuits to store energy and filter signals.
Can inductors be used to filter signals in a circuit?
Yes, inductors can be used in circuits to filter signals, especially to block high-frequency signals.
What makes a good conductor of electricity?
A good conductor has high conductivity, allowing electric charge to flow easily, like metals such as copper or aluminum.
In what devices are inductors commonly found?
Inductors are commonly found in transformers, radios, and filters.
What is a common application for conductors?
Conductors are commonly used in wires, cables, and electrical appliances to allow the flow of electricity.
What is a primary function of a conductor?
The primary function of a conductor is to allow the flow of electric charge with minimal resistance.
Do conductors have high or low resistance?
Conductors have low resistance to the flow of electric charge.
Can a conductor also store energy like an inductor?
No, conductors do not store energy like inductors; they only allow the flow of electric charge.
Can the value of an inductor be changed in a circuit?
Yes, the value of an inductor can be changed using variable inductors or by adjusting the number of turns in the coil.
What happens when current flows through an inductor?
When current flows through an inductor, it stores energy in the form of a magnetic field.
Is gold a good conductor of electricity?
Yes, gold is a good conductor of electricity, often used for high-quality connectors due to its corrosion resistance.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
