1. What is AC Impedance Magnitude?

AC impedance magnitude represents the total opposition that a circuit presents to alternating current (AC). It combines both resistance (real part) and reactance (imaginary part) in a single value, measured in ohms.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impedance magnitude formula:

Where:

• \( Z \) — Impedance magnitude (ohms)
• \( R \) — Resistance (ohms)
• \( X \) — Reactance (ohms)

Explanation: This formula calculates the magnitude of impedance using the Pythagorean theorem, where resistance and reactance form the two perpendicular components of the impedance vector.

3. Importance of Impedance Calculation

Details: Impedance calculation is crucial for designing AC circuits, analyzing electrical networks, determining power consumption, and ensuring proper component matching in electronic systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter resistance in ohms (must be positive or zero) and reactance in ohms (can be positive for inductive or negative for capacitive reactance). The calculator will compute the impedance magnitude.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between impedance and resistance?
A: Resistance opposes DC current only, while impedance opposes AC current and includes both resistance and reactance components.

Q2: Can reactance be negative?
A: Yes, negative reactance indicates capacitive reactance, while positive reactance indicates inductive reactance.

Q3: What is the phase angle in impedance?
A: Phase angle = arctan(X/R), representing the phase difference between voltage and current in an AC circuit.

Q4: When is impedance purely resistive?
A: When reactance is zero (X = 0), impedance equals resistance and the circuit behaves as purely resistive.

Q5: How does frequency affect impedance?
A: In inductive circuits, impedance increases with frequency; in capacitive circuits, impedance decreases with frequency.