What is the unit of measure for impedance?

Impedance is a fundamental concept in electrical engineering and is used to describe how much a circuit resists the flow of alternating current (AC). The unit of measure for impedance is the ohm, which is the same unit used to measure resistance. Impedance encompasses both resistance (the opposition to current flow) and reactance (the opposition to change in current or voltage due to inductance or capacitance).

The ohm is defined in terms of volts and amperes, specifically, one ohm is equal to one volt per ampere. This relationship highlights that impedance affects how voltage and current interact in AC circuits. Therefore, when measuring how much a component or circuit impedes electrical flow, the correct unit to use is the ohm.

Understanding impedance is crucial for linemen, as it impacts the design, functioning, and troubleshooting of electrical systems.