Inductive reactance increases with which factor in an AC circuit?

Inductive reactance increases with which factor in an AC circuit?

• A. Frequency
• B. Capacitance
• C. Voltage
• D. Resistance

Answer: (A)

Inductive reactance grows as the current changes more rapidly, which happens when the frequency of the AC source increases. The relationship is X_L = 2πfL, so for a constant inductance, doubling the frequency doubles the inductive reactance. Physically, a faster-changing current produces a larger opposing emf in the inductor, making it harder for the current to change. Voltage amplitude or the resistor value don’t set this effect, and capacitance affects capacitive reactance (X_C = 1/(2πfC)), not inductive reactance.

Inductive reactance grows as the current changes more rapidly, which happens when the frequency of the AC source increases. The relationship is X_L = 2πfL, so for a constant inductance, doubling the frequency doubles the inductive reactance. Physically, a faster-changing current produces a larger opposing emf in the inductor, making it harder for the current to change. Voltage amplitude or the resistor value don’t set this effect, and capacitance affects capacitive reactance (X_C = 1/(2πfC)), not inductive reactance.