Can mutual inductance be increased by placing coils on an iron core?

Mutual inductance refers to the ability of one coil to induce a voltage in another coil when the magnetic field around the first coil changes. One of the key factors that influence mutual inductance is the magnetic permeability of the material around which the coils are wound.

By placing coils on an iron core, the mutual inductance can indeed be significantly increased. Iron, as a ferromagnetic material, has a much higher magnetic permeability compared to air or vacuum. This means that the iron core can concentrate the magnetic field lines generated by the coils, enhancing the interaction between the magnetic fields of the coils. The result is a stronger magnetic coupling, which in turn boosts the mutual inductance value.

This principle is fundamental in electrical engineering, particularly in applications such as transformers, where an iron core is typically used to increase the efficiency of energy transfer between the primary and secondary coils. The usage of an iron core effectively enhances the inductive properties of the coils involved, making it a common practice in designing inductive devices.