1. What is Impedance in AC Circuit?

Impedance (Z) is the effective resistance in an AC circuit that combines both resistance and reactance. It represents the total opposition to current flow in AC circuits, accounting for both resistive and reactive components.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impedance formula:

Where:

• \( Z \) — Impedance (Ω)
• \( R \) — Resistance (Ω)
• \( X_L \) — Inductive reactance (Ω)
• \( X_C \) — Capacitive reactance (Ω)

Explanation: The formula calculates the magnitude of impedance by considering the vector sum of resistance and net reactance in the circuit.

3. Importance of Impedance Calculation

Details: Impedance calculation is crucial for designing AC circuits, determining power consumption, calculating current flow, and ensuring proper component matching in electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter resistance in ohms (Ω), inductive reactance in ohms (Ω), and capacitive reactance in ohms (Ω). All values must be non-negative numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between impedance and resistance?
A: Resistance opposes DC current, while impedance opposes AC current and includes both resistive and reactive components.

Q2: How do inductive and capacitive reactance affect impedance?
A: Inductive reactance increases with frequency, capacitive reactance decreases with frequency. Their difference determines the net reactance.

Q3: What happens when X_L equals X_C?
A: When inductive and capacitive reactance are equal, the circuit is at resonance, and impedance equals resistance (minimum impedance).

Q4: Can impedance be less than resistance?
A: No, impedance is always greater than or equal to resistance since it's the vector sum of resistance and reactance.

Q5: How is impedance used in practical applications?
A: Impedance is used in filter design, impedance matching for maximum power transfer, and analyzing AC circuit behavior.