Impedance Equation:
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The impedance (Z) of a series inductor and resistor circuit represents the total opposition to current flow, combining both resistance (R) and inductive reactance (XL). It's a complex quantity with both magnitude and phase.
The calculator uses the impedance equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation combines the resistive and reactive components using the Pythagorean theorem, as they are 90° out of phase with each other.
Details: Calculating impedance is crucial for designing and analyzing AC circuits, determining voltage drops, current flow, and power dissipation in RL circuits.
Tips: Enter resistance in ohms (Ω), frequency in hertz (Hz), and inductance in henries (H). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between impedance and resistance?
A: Resistance opposes DC current, while impedance opposes AC current and includes both resistance and reactance components.
Q2: How does frequency affect impedance?
A: Higher frequencies increase the inductive reactance (XL = 2πfL), thus increasing the total impedance.
Q3: What happens at DC (0 Hz)?
A: At DC, the inductor acts as a short circuit (XL = 0), so impedance equals just the resistance (Z = R).
Q4: What is the phase angle in this circuit?
A: The phase angle θ = arctan(XL/R), where current lags voltage by θ degrees.
Q5: Can this be used for parallel RL circuits?
A: No, this equation is specifically for series RL circuits. Parallel circuits use a different impedance formula.