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Inductor Drawing MicroSim

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Description

This MicroSim demonstrates how to draw inductor symbols in circuit diagrams. Inductors are components that store energy in a magnetic field created by current flowing through a coil of wire. The simulation shows multiple inductors with different inductance values (10mH, 1H, 100μH, 47mH) in both horizontal and vertical orientations.

Key features:

  • Toggle between horizontal and vertical inductor orientations
  • Multiple inductors with labeled values (henrys, millihenrys, microhenrys)
  • Adjustable line width for the symbol drawing
  • Clear visualization of the coil/loop structure

How to Use

  1. Click Switch to Vertical or Switch to Horizontal to change inductor orientation
  2. Observe the four inductors with their inductance values
  3. Adjust the Line Width slider to change the thickness of the lines
  4. Click Reset to return to default settings

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Recognize the inductor symbol in circuit diagrams (coil/loops)
  • Understand that an inductor stores energy in a magnetic field
  • Read inductance values using standard units (H, mH, μH)
  • Draw proper inductor symbols in circuit diagrams

Target Audience

  • Grade level: High school (grades 9-12)
  • Prerequisites: Basic understanding of magnetism and electrical components

Activities

  1. Exploration Activity: Toggle between orientations and observe how the inductor symbol maintains its coil structure in both directions.

  2. Guided Investigation: Discuss the different inductance values shown. Ask: "Which inductor stores the most energy? How does the number of coils relate to inductance?"

  3. Extension Activity: Research common applications for inductors (filters, transformers, energy storage in switching power supplies).

Assessment

  • Discussion question: Why does an inductor symbol look like a coil?
  • Reflection prompt: Where might you find inductors in everyday electronic devices?
  • Demonstrate understanding by explaining the relationship between H, mH, and μH units

References