What is the function of an inductor in a circuit?

An inductor functions by storing energy in a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it. This occurs due to the changes in the magnetic field surrounding the inductor as the current increases or decreases. When the current is interrupted or reduced, the magnetic field collapses and the stored energy can be released back into the circuit, supplying energy in a way that smooths out variations in current.

This characteristic makes inductors particularly important in applications like filtering in power supplies, where they can help stabilize the output voltage by countering sudden changes in current. Their role in energy storage essentially allows circuits to have smoother responses and improve performance in various electronic applications.

In contrast, other functions mentioned do not accurately describe how inductors operate. For example, measuring electrical potential relates to voltmeters, while converting AC to DC involves rectification processes typically managed by diodes or rectifiers. Limiting current flow is primarily the role of resistors, though inductors can affect current indirectly through their reactance in AC circuits. Thus, the primary function of inductors is indeed to store energy in a magnetic field.