What is the reason behind inductive reactance in an AC circuit?

Thread starter fonz
Start date Apr 20, 2012
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Ac Inductor Phase Phase shift Shift

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of voltage and current being out of phase in inductors, which can be confusing to understand. The voltage is constantly changing in an alternating current, causing the current to also constantly change in magnitude. This leads to a constantly changing magnetic field around the inductor. The collapsing of this field induces a voltage that opposes the source voltage, resulting in a lower overall voltage. The current and magnetic field are 90 degrees out of phase because it takes time for the field to build up and store energy, while the current is constantly changing. This is also why inductors appear as shorts in DC and why a free-wheeling diode is used in automotive circuits. The initial current in an inductor is nearly

Apr 23, 2012

FOIWATER

Gold Member

I disagree, I say there are two EMFs, which obviously can be added to yield one total EMF

One applied, and one self induced (when applied with AC, or any time there is relative motion, for that matter). The self induced EMF must be less than the applied obviously, since the current resultant of the former EMF is the reason the second EMF is induced. I say lenz' law determines the opposite polarity (since the fields are CONVERGING in a different matter), and the opposite polarity to what we can attribute inductive reactance. The ratio of the amount of voltage induced for a specific current change, multiplied by the angular frequency is where we get inductive reactance.

If you do not adhere to this, to what can you attribute inductive reactance?

<h2>1. What is inductive reactance?</h2><p>Inductive reactance is a type of opposition to the flow of alternating current (AC) in a circuit. It is caused by the presence of inductors, which are electrical components that store energy in the form of a magnetic field.</p><h2>2. How is inductive reactance different from resistance?</h2><p>Inductive reactance is different from resistance in that it only affects the flow of AC, while resistance affects both AC and direct current (DC). Additionally, resistance is caused by a material's natural opposition to the flow of electrons, while inductive reactance is caused by the magnetic field created by an inductor.</p><h2>3. What is the formula for calculating inductive reactance?</h2><p>The formula for calculating inductive reactance is X<sub>L</sub> = 2πfL, where X<sub>L</sub> is the inductive reactance in ohms, f is the frequency of the AC in hertz, and L is the inductance of the inductor in henrys.</p><h2>4. How does inductive reactance affect the current in an AC circuit?</h2><p>Inductive reactance causes the current in an AC circuit to lag behind the voltage. This means that the current reaches its peak value after the voltage does. The amount of lag depends on the frequency and inductance in the circuit.</p><h2>5. How can inductive reactance be reduced in an AC circuit?</h2><p>Inductive reactance can be reduced by either decreasing the frequency of the AC or by decreasing the inductance in the circuit. This can be achieved by using a lower frequency power source or by adding a capacitor in parallel with the inductor, which creates a canceling effect on the inductive reactance.</p>

Related to What is the reason behind inductive reactance in an AC circuit?

1. What is inductive reactance?

Inductive reactance is a type of opposition to the flow of alternating current (AC) in a circuit. It is caused by the presence of inductors, which are electrical components that store energy in the form of a magnetic field.

2. How is inductive reactance different from resistance?

Inductive reactance is different from resistance in that it only affects the flow of AC, while resistance affects both AC and direct current (DC). Additionally, resistance is caused by a material's natural opposition to the flow of electrons, while inductive reactance is caused by the magnetic field created by an inductor.

3. What is the formula for calculating inductive reactance?

The formula for calculating inductive reactance is X_L = 2πfL, where X_L is the inductive reactance in ohms, f is the frequency of the AC in hertz, and L is the inductance of the inductor in henrys.

4. How does inductive reactance affect the current in an AC circuit?

Inductive reactance causes the current in an AC circuit to lag behind the voltage. This means that the current reaches its peak value after the voltage does. The amount of lag depends on the frequency and inductance in the circuit.

5. How can inductive reactance be reduced in an AC circuit?

Inductive reactance can be reduced by either decreasing the frequency of the AC or by decreasing the inductance in the circuit. This can be achieved by using a lower frequency power source or by adding a capacitor in parallel with the inductor, which creates a canceling effect on the inductive reactance.