ELECTRIC IMPEDANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Electric impedance refers to the measure of opposition a circuit presents to the flow of alternating current (AC). It is denoted by the symbol "Z" and is measured in ohms. The impedance of a circuit determines how much current will flow through it when a voltage is applied. It incorporates both resistance and reactance, which are the two primary components of impedance.
Resistance is the opposition a circuit exhibits to the flow of direct current (DC). It is caused by the frictional forces that impede the free movement of charge carriers. Reactance, on the other hand, is the opposition a circuit demonstrates to the flow of AC due to the presence of inductive or capacitive effects. Inductive reactance relates to the magnetic field generated by an inductor, while capacitive reactance originates from the electric field across a capacitor.
Electric impedance can be calculated using Ohm's law by dividing the voltage across a circuit by the current passing through it. This calculation involves vector addition since impedance possesses both magnitude and phase angle. The magnitude of impedance measures the total opposition to current flow, while the phase angle represents the relative timing between the voltage and current waveforms.
Impedance plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of electrical circuits, particularly in AC systems. It affects the power, voltage drop, and current distribution within a circuit. Understanding impedance is vital for designing efficient and effective electrical systems, as it enables the prediction and control of current flow and power transfer.
Common Misspellings for ELECTRIC IMPEDANCE
- wlectric impedance
- slectric impedance
- dlectric impedance
- rlectric impedance
- 4lectric impedance
- 3lectric impedance
- ekectric impedance
- epectric impedance
- eoectric impedance
- elwctric impedance
- elsctric impedance
- eldctric impedance
- elrctric impedance
- el4ctric impedance
- el3ctric impedance
- elextric impedance
- elevtric impedance
- eleftric impedance
- eledtric impedance
- elecrric impedance
Etymology of ELECTRIC IMPEDANCE
The word "impedance" originated from the Latin word "impedīre", which means "to hinder" or "to obstruct". It was first introduced in the field of electrical engineering by Oliver Heaviside in the late 19th century.
The term "electric" refers to electricity, which is derived from the Latin word "electricus", meaning "relating to amber" (a fossilized tree resin). The term was used because early observations of electricity were often associated with rubbing amber objects.
Therefore, the etymology of "electric impedance" combines the Latin word "electricus" with the Latin word "impedīre", signifying the hindrance or obstruction faced by the flow of electricity through a circuit.
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