In electrical circuits, what happens when the switch is opened in an inductive circuit?

When the switch in an inductive circuit is opened, the magnetic field created by the inductor begins to collapse. This is due to the principle of electromagnetic induction, which states that a change in magnetic flux through a coil induces an electromotive force (EMF).

As the inductor attempts to maintain the current flow, the energy stored in the magnetic field is released. Instead of an immediate drop in current, it decays slowly over time. The rate at which the current decays is influenced by the inductance of the coil and the resistance in the circuit. This gradual decrease occurs because the inductor works to oppose the change in current, causing the flow to diminish rather than stop abruptly.

In contrast, options that suggest that current flows backward, drops instantly, or increases dramatically do not accurately reflect the behavior of inductive circuits. When the switch opens, there is no mechanism for the current to flow backward in a standard series circuit, and an instant drop in current would contradict the inductor's nature of resisting changes in current. Likewise, a dramatic increase in current does not occur, as this would require additional energy input which is not available once the switch is opened.