Question
Explain the term inductive reactance. State its unit and dimensions.

Answer

i. The opposing nature of an inductor to the flow of alternating current is called inductive reactance.
ii. In an inductive circuit,
$
i _0=\frac{ e _0}{\omega L } \text {... }
$
iii. For a resistive ac circuit, according to Ohm's law,
$
i =\frac{ V }{ R } \text {. }
$
where $R =$ resistance in the circuit
iv. Comparing equations (1) and (2), we can conclude that $\omega L$ plays a similar role in an inductive ac circuit as a resistor in a pure resistor circuit.
$v$. Hence, the effective resistance $X_L$ offered by the inductance $L$ is called inductive reactance and is given as,
$
X_L=\omega L=2 \pi f L . \ldots \ldots \ldots \ldots .(\because \omega=2 \pi / T=2 \pi f)
$
where $f=$ frequency of the AC supply.
vi. $X_L$ is directly proportional to the inductance $(L)$ and the frequency (f) of the alternating current.
vii. In DC circuits, $f=0$
$
\therefore X _{ L }=0
$
It implies that a pure inductor offers zero resistance to $D C$, i.e., it cannot reduce $D C$.
Thus, it passes DC and blocks AC of very high frequency.
viii. In an inductive circuit, the self-induced emf opposes the growth as well as decay of current.
ix. The dimensions of inductive reactance are $\left[ ML ^2 T ^{-3} I ^{-2}\right]$ and its SI unit is the ohm $(\Omega)$.

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