Definition

The opposition to the flow of alternating current in an electrical circuit, caused by inductance and capacitance rather than resistance.

Example

The reactance in the circuit increased as the frequency of the alternating current rose.

Conversation

Did you study about reactance in our physics class?

Yeah, I found it pretty interesting how it affects alternating current.

It's fascinating how reactance can change the behavior of circuits.

Absolutely! Understanding it helps with so many electrical applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Reactance → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again or back) and "act" (from Latin "agere", meaning to do or act) and the suffix "-ance" (indicating a state or quality). The word describes the quality of opposing or resisting an action or effect, particularly in physics and electrical engineering.

Memory Tip

Think of 'acting back' ('re-' means again and 'act' means to do') to remember that 'reactance' refers to the resistance to an action or effect.

Visually Confused Words