What is the unit of measure for both capacitive and inductive reactance?

The unit of measure for both capacitive and inductive reactance is Ohms. Reactance stems from the opposition that capacitors and inductors present to alternating current, and it is specifically measured in Ohms, just like resistance.

In an AC circuit, capacitive reactance (represented by XC) and inductive reactance (represented by XL) determine how these components affect the flow of current. While resistance (the real part of impedance) indicates how much current is reduced by a component, reactance reflects the energy storage capabilities of capacitors and inductors, which can delay current flow. This is critical in alternating current systems, particularly in designing circuits and analyzing their behavior at different frequencies.

Understanding this distinction is vital for linemen and electricians who work on AC systems, as it aids in properly sizing and selecting components based on their effect on the circuit. Hence, it is essential to recognize that both forms of reactance are quantified in Ohms, similar to how we measure resistance, emphasizing the similar nature of their influence within the same units.