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inductive reactance
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inductive reactance

electronics
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Quick Summary

Inductive reactance is the portion of a circuit's opposition to alternating current that is specifically due to inductance. Reactance, in general, is the opposition a circuit presents to a varying or alternating electric current. While electrical resistance opposes steady direct currents, reactance comes into play with alternating currents or when direct currents are changing.12

Inductive reactance arises from the magnetic field surrounding a wire or coil carrying current. It opposes changes in current, causing the current to lag behind the voltage. The magnitude of inductive reactance (XL) is directly proportional to the frequency of the alternating current (f) and the inductance (L) of the component, calculated as XL = 2πfL. It is measured in ohms.2

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