# Self-induction and conservation of energy [closed]

back EMF when switch is open is greater than back EMF when it is on; is that opposes the law of conservation of energy?

## closed as unclear what you're asking by The Photon, M. Enns, Jon Custer, ZeroTheHero, Emilio PisantyJan 16 at 18:02

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• What switch? In what circuit? If you include a schematic of the circuit you are asking about it will be much more clear what you are asking. – The Photon Jan 16 at 16:23

No, it does not oppose the law of the conservation of energy. In circuits the conservation of energy is more properly represented as conservation of power. Power in a circuit is given by $$P=IV$$. Voltage by itself is not conserved, so a change in voltage does not indicate a failure of the conservation of energy.