What creates reactance in an AC circuit involving a capacitor?

Prepare for the ECC Test 2. Study with our comprehensive quiz that incorporates a wide range of questions, hints, and explanations to ensure you are fully ready for your exam!

In an AC circuit, reactance is the opposition to the flow of alternating current caused by the circuit's inductive and capacitive elements. Specifically, capacitance creates reactance in the circuit.

When a capacitor is connected to an AC source, it charges and discharges in accordance with the alternating current. This behavior results in a reactance called capacitive reactance, which quantifies how much the capacitor impedes the flow of the alternating current. The formula for capacitive reactance is given by (X_C = \frac{1}{2\pi f C}), where (f) is the frequency of the AC signal and (C) is the capacitance in farads. As capacitance or frequency changes, the capacitive reactance also changes accordingly.

In contrast, while resistance is a component of circuits and does contribute to the overall impedance, it does not create reactance; instead, it represents a resistive loss of energy. Inductance has its own form of reactance called inductive reactance, which is generated by coils or inductors in a circuit. Voltage, while crucial in defining the behavior of all components in a circuit, does not itself create reactance.

Thus, the correct choice

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy