Where does an inductor store its energy?

An inductor stores energy in the magnetic field surrounding the conductor. This occurs when an electric current passes through the coil of the inductor, creating a magnetic field around it. The strength of this field is proportional to the amount of current flowing through the inductor. When the current changes, the magnetic field also changes, and according to Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction, this change in the magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the inductor. Consequently, the energy is stored in the form of magnetic energy, which can be released back into the circuit when the current decreases.

This understanding distinguishes inductance from other electrical components, such as capacitors, which store energy in the electric field between their plates, or resistors, which dissipate energy rather than store it. The other options do not accurately depict where an inductor stores energy, as the electric field and dielectric materials pertain to capacitive storage, while the surrounding air does not play a significant role in energy storage in an inductor.