What is inductance in electrical terms?

Inductance is defined as the property of an electrical circuit that opposes changes in current flow. It arises from the magnetic field created around a conductor when current passes through it. When the current through an inductor changes, the associated magnetic field will either expand or collapse, inducing a voltage in the opposite direction to the change in current. This property effectively resists rapid changes in current, hence it is referred to as the resistance to change in current flow.

Understanding inductance is crucial in many applications, such as transformers, inductors in circuits, and electromagnetic devices. This concept is fundamental in alternating current (AC) circuits where inductance plays a key role in the behavior of the circuit. The ability to oppose changes rather than simply storing energy distinguishes inductance from other electrical properties like capacitance, which involves the storage of electrical energy as an electric field between charged plates.

The other options present different electrical concepts. For instance, the ability to store electrical energy pertains more directly to capacitance, while the regulation of voltage levels can involve various components and is not strictly within the definition of inductance. Measuring electrical resistance is a distinct concept that relates to how materials oppose the flow of electric current, separate from inductance.