Choke

Overview

A choke is an electrical component that consists of a coil of wire, often wound around a core made of soft iron or ferrite, designed to limit the flow of alternating current (A.C.) while allowing direct current (D.C.) to pass through with minimal resistance. Its primary function is to provide inductance, which opposes changes in current, thereby reducing the A.C. component in a circuit and minimizing energy wastage compared to resistive components. Chokes are commonly used in A.C. circuits to filter out unwanted frequencies, stabilize current flow, and protect sensitive electronic devices from voltage spikes

Questions and Answers

  1. What is a choke?

    A choke is an electrical component that consists of a coil of wire designed to limit the flow of alternating current (A.C.) while allowing direct current (D.C.) to pass through with minimal resistance.

  2. How does a choke work?

    A choke works by utilizing inductance to oppose changes in current. When A.C. flows through the coil, it creates a magnetic field that resists rapid changes in current, effectively limiting the A.C. component in the circuit.

  3. What are the main applications of chokes?

    Chokes are used in A.C. circuits to filter out unwanted frequencies, stabilize current flow, reduce electromagnetic interference, and protect sensitive electronic devices from voltage spikes.

  4. What is the difference between a choke and a resistor?

    A choke limits A.C. while allowing D.C. to pass with minimal loss, using inductance, whereas a resistor dissipates energy as heat and offers resistance to both A.C. and D.C. without frequency discrimination.

  5. What types of chokes are commonly used?

    Common types of chokes include air-core chokes, iron-core chokes, and ferrite-core chokes, each designed for specific applications based on their inductance and resistance characteristics.

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. What is the primary function of a choke in an electrical circuit?

    a) To increase voltage
    b) To limit alternating current
    c) To store energy
    d) To convert D.C. to A.C.
    Answer: b) To limit alternating current

  2. Which of the following materials is commonly used for the core of a choke?

    a) Copper
    b) Aluminum
    c) Ferrite
    d) Plastic
    Answer: c) Ferrite

  3. What type of current does a choke primarily oppose?

    a) Direct current (D.C.)
    b) Alternating current (A.C.)
    c) Both A.C. and D.C.
    d) None of the above
    Answer: b) Alternating current (A.C.)

  4. In which application would you most likely find a choke?

    a) In a battery charger
    b) In a light bulb
    c) In a radio frequency circuit
    d) In a resistor network
    Answer: c) In a radio frequency circuit

  5. What happens to the current in a circuit when a choke is added?

    a) It increases significantly
    b) It decreases for A.C.
    c) It remains unchanged
    d) It becomes constant
    Answer: b) It decreases for A.C.