IntermediateTopic 40 of 106Electrical Engineering
Impedance
Complex opposition to AC: Z=R+jX with reactances jωL and 1/jωC.
In depth
Impedance Z=V/I=R+jX combines resistance and reactance, in ohms. Series adds, parallel by admittances. Magnitude ‖Z‖=√(R²+X²) and phase φ=atan(X/R). Inductive loads have positive phase.
Key points
- Admittance Y=1/Z
- Ohm's law holds with phasors
- RLC combos
ExampleR=30 Ω with X_L=40 Ω gives Z=50 Ω at 53°.
What is Impedance?
Complex opposition to AC: Z=R+jX with reactances jωL and 1/jωC.
Why is it important to understand impedance?
Impedance is the AC generalisation of resistance, and it is the quantity that decides current and phase in every AC circuit.
What is the impedance of a capacitor?
One over j omega C, a reactance that falls as frequency rises, which is why capacitors pass high-frequency signals more readily.
What is the impedance of an inductor?
J omega L, a reactance that rises with frequency and blocks high-frequency signals.
How is Impedance used in practice?
Typical applications include calculating the current drawn by a motor coil at mains frequency, designing a matching network with a specified impedance and predicting how a loudspeaker's impedance varies with frequency.
What should I learn before Impedance?
Study "Phasors" first (topic 39 of 106 in Electrical Engineering). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Impedance?
Admittance Y=1/Z. Ohm's law holds with phasors. RLC combos.
Can you give an example of Impedance?
R=30 Ω with X_L=40 Ω gives Z=50 Ω at 53°.
What comes after Impedance?
The next topic is "Reactance", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Impedance?
It is classed as Intermediate in Electrical Engineering (topic 40 of 106). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Electrical Engineering first.