What electrical component is typically constructed as a coil of wire?

An inductor is typically constructed as a coil of wire and serves the purpose of storing energy in the form of a magnetic field when electrical current flows through it. The wire coil design is fundamental to the inductor's function because it enhances the magnetic field generated by the current. This property allows inductors to resist changes in current, making them essential components in various applications such as filters, oscillators, and transformers. The coil shape not only maximizes the inductance but also minimizes energy losses due to the magnetic field confinement.

In contrast, a switch is a device used to open or close an electrical circuit, a capacitor stores energy in an electric field and consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, while a diode allows current to flow in one direction and is made from semiconductor materials rather than coils of wire. Each of these components serves different purposes and operates based on distinct principles, marking them clearly apart from inductors.