Which of the following best describes inductance?

Inductance is best described as the opposition to current change in a circuit. This property is intrinsic to inductors, which are components specifically designed to store energy in a magnetic field when electrical current passes through them. When the current flowing through an inductor changes, it generates a magnetic field that affects the flow of current, resisting changes in that current. This is a key characteristic of inductors and is crucial in various applications, such as in transformers and filters, where controlling the flow of current is essential.

The other options do not accurately describe inductance. For instance, the ability to store electrical charge relates to capacitance, not inductance. The conversion of electrical energy to thermal energy is a process that can occur in resistive components, but it does not define inductance. Lastly, the ability to conduct electricity efficiently pertains to the conductivity of materials rather than inductance itself.