The voltage measured across the inductor in a series RL has dropped significantly from normal. What could possibly be the problem?
A) The resistor has gone up in value.
B) partial shorting of the windings of the inductor
C) The resistor has gone down in value.
D) either A or B

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The voltage drop across an inductor in a series RL circuit can decrease if the resistance in the circuit increases (option A) because a higher resistance would cause the total current in the circuit to decrease, thus reducing the voltage drop across the inductor according to Ohm's law (V = IR). Similarly, if the inductor has partially shorted windings (option B), its effective inductance would decrease, leading to a lower reactance (X_L = 2πfL) at a given frequency, which could also result in a reduced voltage drop across the inductor. Both scenarios would affect the voltage drop across the inductor, making option D correct.

The Voltage Measured Across the Inductor in a Series RL