Definition

Noun: A device consisting of two coils of wire wound around a common iron core, used to produce a high-voltage electrical current from a low-voltage source. It operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where a change in current in the primary coil induces a much higher voltage in the secondary coil.

Usage

The term "induction coil" is used to describe a specific electrical component. It is a countable noun. * An induction coil is a key part in many ignition systems. * The scientist adjusted the induction coil to increase the voltage output. * Early radio transmitters often relied on a powerful induction coil.

Examples

• The induction coil in the car's ignition system transforms the battery's 12 volts into the thousands of volts needed to create a spark.
• Laboratory demonstrations of electrical discharges frequently use an induction coil.
• He studied the design of the induction coil to understand its efficiency.

Advanced Usage

• "To break the current in the primary circuit of an induction coil": This describes the specific mechanical or electronic action (using an interrupter) that creates the changing magnetic field necessary for the coil to function.
• "The spark gap of the induction coil": Refers to the space between two terminals where the high-voltage spark produced by the coil becomes visible.

Variants and Related Words

• Coil (noun): A general term for a length of something wound in a joined sequence of loops. An "induction coil" is a specific type of coil.
• Ignition coil (noun): A type of induction coil specifically designed for use in internal combustion engines to ignite the fuel-air mixture.
• Transformer (noun): A device that also uses electromagnetic induction to change the voltage of an alternating current (AC). An induction coil is functionally similar but is typically designed for intermittent, high-voltage pulses from a direct current (DC) source.

Synonyms

• Spark coil
• Ruhmkorff coil (a historical, specific type of induction coil)

Related Phrases

• Primary coil: The input coil of wire in an induction coil, connected to the low-voltage source.
• Secondary coil: The output coil of wire in an induction coil, where the high voltage is generated.
• Electromagnetic induction: The fundamental physical principle upon which the device operates.

Noun

1. a coil for producing a high voltage from a low-voltage source