Capacitive Reactance Formula:
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Capacitive reactance (Xc) is the opposition that a capacitor offers to alternating current due to its capacitance. It is measured in ohms and decreases with increasing frequency and capacitance.
The calculator uses the capacitive reactance formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that capacitive reactance is inversely proportional to both frequency and capacitance. As either increases, the reactance decreases.
Details: Calculating capacitive reactance is essential for designing and analyzing AC circuits, filter design, impedance matching, and understanding the behavior of capacitors in alternating current applications.
Tips: Enter frequency in hertz (Hz) and capacitance in farads (F). All values must be valid positive numbers. The calculator will compute the capacitive reactance in ohms (Ω).
Q1: Why does capacitive reactance decrease with frequency?
A: At higher frequencies, the capacitor has less time to charge and discharge, offering less opposition to the alternating current.
Q2: What is the relationship between capacitance and reactance?
A: Capacitive reactance is inversely proportional to capacitance. Larger capacitors offer less reactance at the same frequency.
Q3: How does capacitive reactance affect circuit behavior?
A: Capacitive reactance causes current to lead voltage by 90 degrees in a pure capacitive circuit and affects the overall impedance in AC circuits.
Q4: What are typical capacitance values used in MOSFET circuits?
A: MOSFET circuits typically use capacitance values ranging from picofarads (pF) to microfarads (μF), depending on the application.
Q5: How is capacitive reactance used in filter design?
A: Capacitive reactance is fundamental in designing high-pass, low-pass, and band-pass filters, where it works in combination with resistive and inductive elements.