What impact does adding inductors in series have on total inductance?

When inductors are added in series, the total inductance increases because the inductive effects of each inductor accumulate. The total inductance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual inductances. This can be expressed mathematically as:

[ L_{total} = L_1 + L_2 + L_3 + ... + L_n ]

where ( L_1, L_2, L_3, ) and ( L_n ) are the inductances of the individual inductors. The increase in total inductance occurs because each inductor contributes to the magnetic field and stores energy in the magnetic field based on the current flowing through them. As more inductors are added, the overall ability of the circuit to store magnetic energy increases, leading to a higher total inductance.

Since each inductor creates its own magnetic field that interacts with the others in the circuit, it's important to understand that this isn't just an additive process; it's a cumulative effect of the magnetic fields generated by each inductor. Therefore, the overall inductive reaction of the circuit increases as more inductors are placed in series.