Inductive reactance is a term used in electrical engineering to describe the opposition of an inductor to alternating current (AC). It is denoted by the symbol "Xᵢ" and is measured in ohms (Ω). When an AC current flows through an inductor, it induces a magnetic field around it. The changing magnetic field in the inductor generates a back electromotive force (EMF) that opposes the flow of current. This opposition is known as inductive reactance. The magnitude of inductive reactance depends on the frequency (f) of the AC signal and the inductance (L) of the inductor. It can be calculated using the following formula: Xᵢ = 2πfL
Xᵢ is the inductive reactance in ohms (Ω).
π is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14159.
f is the frequency of the AC signal in hertz (Hz).
L is the inductance of the inductor in henries (H).
From the formula, it can be observed that inductive reactance increases with increasing frequency or inductance. At higher frequencies, the back EMF induced in the inductor becomes more significant, resulting in higher reactance. Inductive reactance is an essential concept in AC circuit analysis. It, along with the resistance (R) and capacitive reactance (Xc) of other circuit elements, contributes to the overall impedance (Z) of a circuit. Impedance represents the total opposition to AC current flow and is calculated using the formula: Z = √(R² + (Xᵢ - Xc)²) Understanding inductive reactance is crucial for designing and analyzing circuits that involve inductors, such as transformers, motors, and solenoids.
