Define the term 'inductance.'

Inductance is the property of a coil or circuit that opposes changes in current. This fundamental concept is derived from the behavior of inductors, which are components that store energy in a magnetic field when electrical current flows through them. When there is a change in current—either an increase or decrease—the inductor generates an opposing electromotive force (EMF) due to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. This opposing EMF acts to resist the rate of change of current, effectively stabilizing the current flow in the circuit.

Understanding inductance is crucial in various applications such as filtering, tuning circuits, and energy storage in power systems. The dynamic nature of inductors allows them to play a vital role in AC (alternating current) circuits, where current direction and magnitude continuously change. In contrast, resistive components limit current without generating a magnetic field, making their behavior fundamentally different from that of an inductor.