In an AC circuit, what are the components of opposition to current flow?

In an AC circuit, the overall opposition to current flow is referred to as impedance. Impedance comprises two components: resistance and reactance.

Resistance is the opposition to current flow due to the material and physical characteristics of the conductor, which converts electrical energy into heat. Reactance, on the other hand, is the opposition to current flow caused by inductors and capacitors as they store energy in magnetic and electric fields, respectively.

Inductive reactance occurs in coils or inductors and is dependent on the frequency of the AC signal and the inductance. Capacitive reactance arises in capacitors and is also frequency-dependent, influencing how the capacitor charges and discharges in the circuit.

The correct selection clearly captures the essential elements of opposition to current flow in AC circuits, emphasizing that both resistance, which impacts the in-phase component, and reactance, which affects the out-of-phase component, contribute to total impedance. The inclusion of both components provides a complete understanding of how AC circuits function, aligning with fundamental principles of electrical engineering.