What is the designated symbol for capacitive reactance?

Study for the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Year 2 Part 3 Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare confidently. Get exam-ready now!

Capacitive reactance is represented by the symbol "Xc." This is as per the conventions used in electrical engineering to denote different components of an electrical circuit. In alternating current (AC) circuits, reactance is the measure of how strongly a component resists the change in current due to capacitance or inductance at a given frequency.

In this context, capacitive reactance specifically refers to how a capacitor opposes the flow of alternating current. The value of capacitive reactance is calculated using the formula Xc = 1/(2πfC), where "f" is the frequency of the current, and "C" is the capacitance in farads. Understanding this concept is crucial, as it affects the overall impedance in circuits that include capacitors, influencing both voltage and current behavior.

The other symbols in this context are designated for different components: "R" refers to resistance, "Xl" represents inductive reactance, and "Z" indicates total impedance (which includes both resistance and reactance). Therefore, the selection of "Xc" as the correct answer accurately reflects the standardized notation within electrical engineering principles.

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