What is the difference between impedance and admittance?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical definitions and relationships between impedance and admittance in electrical circuits, specifically focusing on an inductor in series with a resistor. The impedance is defined as Z = R + jωL, while the admittance is calculated as Y = 1/Z, leading to Y = G + jB. The confusion arises when R is set to zero, resulting in an admittance of -j/(ωL) and raising questions about the definitions of conductance (G) and susceptance (B) when resistance (R) is absent. The participants seek clarity on the conditions under which these quantities are defined and their interdependencies.

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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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