The 30-Second Exam Hall Shortcut: ⚡ Pure Half-LI-Squared Scaling Trick
Energy formula is U = (1/2) L I²; plug 4 μH and 2 A directly to get 0.5 × 4 × 4 = 8 μJ in 10 seconds!
Step-by-Step Conceptual & Mathematical Derivation
Governing Energy Formula for an Inductor
An inductor stores energy in its magnetic field when a current flows through it. The work done in establishing current I against the self-induced back emf is obtained by integrating dW = L i di from 0 to I:
Substitution of Given Parameter Values
Substitute the given numerical parameters into the expression with appropriate SI conversion:
Metric Prefix Verification
Convert Joules into microjoules (μJ) using 1 μJ = 10⁻⁶ J:
🔍 View 360° Option Elimination Analysis & NTA Trap Alert ▼
Accurate value derived from U = (1/2) L I² with exact microjoule unit matching.
Underestimates energy by a factor of 2.
Incorrect magnitude and wrong metric prefix.
Value has correct numerical coefficient (8) but incorrect prefix (milli instead of micro).
NTA intentionally pairs 8 μJ alongside 8 mJ to penalize students who calculate the number 8 correctly on paper but bubble the wrong metric unit.