Magnetism and electromagnetismQuestion 893 of 1506

A coil on an air core is moved onto a soft iron core. What happens to its inductance?

  1. It decreases, because iron resists flux more than air.
  2. It increases, since iron has higher permeability.
  3. It stays the same, because the turns did not change.
  4. It becomes negative.
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Correct answer: It increases, since iron has higher permeability.

A high-permeability core makes more flux for the same force.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 15.3: Factors Affecting Inductance

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026