A (current versus time) graph of the current passing through a solenoid is shown in the figure. For which time is the back electromotive force (u) a maximum. If the back emf at t=3 s is e, find the back emf at t=7 s, 15s and 40 s. OA, AB and BC are straight line segments.

                             

Hint: The back emf depends on the rate of change of the current.
Step 1: The back emf (u) in the solenoid is a maximum when there is a maximum rate of change of current. This occurs is in part AB of the graph. So maximum back emf will be obtained between 5s<t<10 s.
Since, the back emf at t=3s is e,
the rate of change of current at t=3, s=slope of OA from t=0s to t=5s=1/5 A/s
So, Applying ε=-LdIdt;
If u =  Lx1/5 for t=3s, dldt=1/5(L is constant). 
Step 2: Similarly, we have for other values:
For  5s<t<10s                u1=-L35=-35L=-3e
Thus,  at t=7s, u1=-3e
For 10s < t < 30s
 u2=L220=L10=12e
For t>30s, u2=0
Thus, the back emf at t = 7s, 15s and 40s are -3e, e/2 and 0 respectively.