Self Induction and Coefficient of self induction (L):

The phenomenon of production of induced e.m.f. in a coil when varying current is passed
through it is called self induction and the property of the coil which opposes the change in
current (increasing or decreasing) flowing through due to the induced e.m.f. on it is called
coefficient of self induction or self inductance or inductance. The self inductance is sometimes
called inertial of electricity.
Let I be the instantaneous current flowing through a coil and ∅ be the total magnetic flux
linked with the coil at that time.
Experimentally, it is found that; ∅ ∝ I
Or, ∅ = LI → (1)
Where L is proportionality constant called coefficient of self induction.
If I=1 then L= ∅
∴ Self inductance of a coil is numerically equal to the amount of magnetic flux linked with the
coil when unit current flows through the coil.
Now, emf induced in the coil is given by(Faraday’s Law)
d∅ d(𝑳𝑰)
∈=− =−
dt dt
d𝑰
∈ = −𝑳 → (2) This emf is also called Back emf.
dt
d𝑰
If =1 then ∈ = −𝑳
dt
∴ Self inductance of a coil is equal to the emf induced in the coil when rate of change of
current through the coil is unity.
Inductance is a scalar quantity .In S.I. system unit of ‘L’ is Henry i.e. VS𝑨−𝟏
Dimensions of L:
d𝑰
We know; ∈ = −𝑳
dt
𝒅𝒕 𝒘 𝒅𝒕
L=∈ = = [𝑴𝟏 𝑳𝟐 𝑻−𝟐 𝑨−𝟐 ]
𝒅𝑰 𝒒 𝒅𝑰
Self inductance of a long solenoid.
Let us consider a long solenoid of length ‘l’, radius ‘r’ and having ‘n’ no. of turns per unit
length .Let I be the instantaneous current flowing through the coil or solenoid .Now, magnetic
field strength due to solenoid inside it is almost constant and acts along the axis of solenoid and
given by; B = 𝝁𝟎 𝒏𝑰 → (1)
Again, total magnetic flux linked with solenoid
is ∅ = N A B Cos 𝜽 → (2)

Where 𝜽 is angle between a line perpendicular to the plane( 𝒏 )and 𝑩 i.e. 𝜽 = 𝟎°

∴ ∅ = N AB Cos 𝟎
∅ = N A(𝝁𝟎 𝒏𝑰 )
𝑵
∅ = N A𝝁𝟎 I
𝒍
𝝁 𝟎 𝑵𝟐 𝑨
∴∅=( )I → (3)
𝒍
Again, from the definition of self inductance;
∅ = LI → (4)
From (3) and (4)
𝝁 𝟎 𝑵𝟐 𝑨
LI = ( )I
𝒍
𝝁𝟎 𝑵𝟐 𝑨
∴L=( ) → (5)
𝒍
Which is the required expression for the self inductance of the solenoid.
Mutual induction and coefficient of mutual induction (M):
The phenomenon of production of induced emf in a coil (secondary) due to the change in
current in neighboring coil (primary) is called mutual induction. The property of the two
neighboring coils due to which emf induced in the secondary coil opposes the change in
current in the primary coil is called mutual inductance or coefficient of mutual induction (M).

Let 𝑰𝟏 be the current flowing in the primary coil at any instant of time and ∅𝟐 be the flux linked
with the secondary coil ;then experimentally it is found that;
∅𝟐 ∝ 𝑰𝟏 → (1)
Or, ∅𝟐 = M 𝑰𝟏
Or, ∅𝟐 = M 𝑰𝟏 → (2)
Where, M is proportionality constant called coefficient of mutual inductance of two coils.
In above equation (2), if 𝑰𝟏 = 1A, ∅𝟐 = M
∴ Coefficient of mutual induction of two coils is numerically equal to magnetic flux linked with
secondary coil when 1 A current is passed through the neighboring primary coil.
Now, if ∈𝟐 be induced emf in secondary coil (back emf), then according to Faraday’s law of
electromagnetic induction, we have;
d∅ 𝟐 d (M 𝑰𝟏 ) d 𝑰𝟏
∈𝟐 = − =− = -M
dt dt dt
d 𝑰𝟏
If = 1 then ∈𝟐 = -M
dt
∴ Coefficient of mutual induction of two coils can also be defined as the emf induced in the
secondary coil when rate of change of current in the neighboring primary coil is unity.
In S.I. system, the unit of ‘M’ is Henry .