Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This problem relates the induced electromotive force (emf) in a coil to the rate of change of current flowing through it. This relationship is defined by the coil's self-inductance.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The self-induced emf (\( \mathcal{E} \)) in a coil is given by Faraday's law of induction for an inductor:
\[ \mathcal{E} = -L \frac{dI}{dt} \]
where L is the self-inductance and \( \frac{dI}{dt} \) is the rate of change of current. The negative sign (Lenz's Law) indicates that the induced emf opposes the change in current. For calculating the magnitude, we can use:
\[ |\mathcal{E}| = L \left| \frac{dI}{dt} \right| \]
We need to rearrange this to solve for L.
\[ L = \frac{|\mathcal{E}|}{|dI/dt|} \]
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
We are given:
- Magnitude of the induced emf, \( |\mathcal{E}| = 12 \text{ V} \)
- Rate of change of current, \( \left| \frac{dI}{dt} \right| = 30 \text{ A/s} \)
Substitute these values into the formula for L:
\[ L = \frac{12}{30} \]
Simplify the fraction:
\[ L = \frac{12 \div 6}{30 \div 6} = \frac{2}{5} = 0.4 \text{ H} \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The self-inductance of the coil is 0.4 H.