Question
Which of the following is opposition to the flow of alternating current in a capacitor?
Answer Options
- A) Conductance
- B) Reluctance
- C) Reactance
- D) Admittance
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
A capacitor resists changes in voltage. When Alternating Current (AC) flows into a capacitor, the plates continually charge and discharge. This charging process presents opposition to the current flow, and this opposition is strongest at low frequencies and weakest at high frequencies.
This opposition to the flow of AC in a capacitor is specifically called capacitive reactance (X_C). It is an inherent characteristic of the capacitor, measured in ohms. Capacitive reactance is mathematically defined as X_C = 1 / (2\pi f C), showing its inverse proportionality to frequency (f) and capacitance (C).
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