[Physics] How do inductors store energy

induction

I know that in capacitors, when we create a potential difference between the two plates, and then cut off the current, the electrons stay there and this energy is stored. But what is the similar mechanism that inductors store energy? The inductors have electrons running across them and because their spiral movement, this movement causes a magnetic field to be created. But if we cut off current, will the magnetic field stay there? Also, if we continuously give current to an inductor, it will create a continuously increasing magnetic field until it reaches a maximum and stop the flow of current, similar to what capacitors do?

Best Answer

Like Peter Diehr says in the comments, the way to see the duality between inductors and capacitors is that capacitors store energy in an electric field, inductors store energy in a magnetic field.

But if we cut off current, will the magnetic field stay there?

No, the magnetic field is proportional to the current, so if you stop the current then the field will go to zero. But because the stored energy is proportional to the current, you actually can't stop the current without doing something to remove the stored energy.

In duality to how a capacitor can store energy when no current is passing through it, and inductor can continue to pass a current (and thus store energy) when the potetntial difference across it goes to zero.

To stop the current, you have to apply a potential opposing the established current flow, which will mean the inductor delivers energy to the rest of the circuit.