Self-inductance, a crucial phenomenon in electromagnetism, occurs when a changing current in a coil induces an electromotive force (emf) within that same coil. This induced emf always opposes the change in current, which is governed by Lenz's law. The extent of self-inductance is quantified by a proportionality constant known as self-inductance (L). Mathematically, the relationship between the induced emf (e) and the rate of change of current (dI/dt) can be expressed as: e = -L(dI/dt).
In applications such as solenoids, the inductance depends on the coil's physical characteristics, including the number of turns (N), length (l), cross-sectional area (A), and the magnetic susceptibility (µ) of the medium, resulting in the formula: L = µ(n^2)(A)(l). Self-inductance is significant in circuits due to the energy storage capability in magnetic fields and its role in determining circuit dynamics during transient states.