What is the difference between impedance and admittance?

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The discussion centers on the distinction between impedance and admittance, particularly in the context of an inductor in series with a resistor. It highlights the mathematical relationships, where impedance is defined as Z = R + jωL and admittance as Y = 1/Z. The confusion arises when considering cases where resistance (R) is zero, leading to the expectation of infinite conductance (G), which is not applicable in this scenario. The conversation also touches on the definitions of conductance (G) and susceptance (B) and their dependence on the presence of resistance. Ultimately, the need for clear definitions and contexts for these electrical quantities is emphasized.
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I have somehow worked myself into a mental loop that I need a push to break out of.

Consider an inductor in series with a resistor. In sinusoidal steady state, the combination has an impedance Z = R + jωL. The admittance is given by (1/Z) = (R-jωL)/(R2+(ωL)2), and if R is zero, it is simply -j/(ωL) as expected. But the admittance can be broken into conductance and suseptance, so the calculated admittance Y = G+jB = 0 - j/(ωL).
But I was expecting G = infinity!

Clearly I am confusing exactly how and when these quantities are defined. Any help would be appreciated.

-John
 
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That's a good one. But think of if R=0, you only have an inductor

Z_L=jωL\;\Rightarrow Y_L=\frac 1 {jωL}=-\frac j {ωL}

There should be no G. You don't even have R in the equation!
 
So is a G only defined if you have an R, or is an R only defined when you have a finite G?

I guess I would like a clear and unambiguous mathematical definition of how and when R,X,G, and B are defined.

(I have read statements before such as one cannot always define an impedance and admittance matrix simultaneously, for example, a short circuit has no well defined admittance matrix, so I believe my question is a simpler case of this)
 
JohnSimpson said:
Consider an inductor in series with a resistor. In sinusoidal steady state, the combination has an impedance Z = R + jωL. The admittance is given by (1/Z) = (R-jωL)/(R2+(ωL)2), and if R is zero, it is simply -j/(ωL) as expected. But the admittance can be broken into conductance and suseptance, so the calculated admittance Y = G+jB = 0 - j/(ωL).
But I was expecting G = infinity!
Let's see whether you can get me just as confused.

Admittances in parallel simply add. So G+jB is a resistor in parallel with a reactance.
If the resistor is of infinite Ohms (i.e., a perfect insulator) then G=0.
If G=infinity then you would be talking about a short circuit across the inductor.
 
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