What term refers to a magnetic material that affords an easy path for magnetic flux lines in a coil?

• A. Core
• B. Conductor
• C. Insulator
• D. Transformer

Answer: (A)

Core. A magnetic core is a material with high permeability that provides a low-reluctance path for magnetic flux, so most of the flux is guided through the material rather than through air. Wrapping a coil around such a core concentrates the flux, increases inductance, and improves coupling between windings. If there were no core (or the path were air), the reluctance would be higher and the flux weaker. Conductor is the path for electric current, insulator resists current, and a transformer is a device that uses a core and windings to transfer energy—though not the material that offers the easy flux path itself.