1. What is Capacitive Reactance?

Capacitive reactance (X_c) is the opposition that a capacitor offers to alternating current (AC). Unlike resistance, reactance varies with frequency and is measured in ohms (Ω).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the capacitive reactance formula:

Where:

• \( X_c \) — Capacitive reactance (Ω)
• \( f \) — Frequency (Hz)
• \( C \) — Capacitance (F)
• \( \pi \) — Approximately 3.14159

Explanation: The reactance decreases with increasing frequency or capacitance. At DC (0 Hz), the reactance is theoretically infinite.

3. Importance of Capacitive Reactance

Details: Understanding capacitive reactance is crucial for designing AC circuits, filters, timing circuits, and impedance matching networks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz) and capacitance in Farads (F). For practical capacitor values, you may need to enter values like 0.000001 for 1μF.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does reactance decrease with frequency?
A: At higher frequencies, the capacitor has less time to charge/discharge, effectively offering less opposition to current flow.

Q2: What happens at DC (0 Hz)?
A: The reactance becomes infinite, which is why capacitors block DC current.

Q3: How does this relate to impedance?
A: For a pure capacitor, the impedance (Z) is equal to the reactance (X_c). In real capacitors, there's also some equivalent series resistance.

Q4: What are typical capacitor values?
A: Practical capacitors range from picofarads (pF) to farads (F), with most common values in the microfarad (μF) to nanofarad (nF) range.

Q5: How does temperature affect reactance?
A: Temperature mainly affects the capacitor's physical properties (like dielectric constant), which in turn affects capacitance and thus reactance.