In an AC circuit, impedance combines which two factors?

Impedance in an AC circuit refers to the total opposition that the circuit presents to the flow of alternating current and is represented by the symbol Z. Impedance combines two crucial elements: resistance and reactance.

Resistance is the straightforward opposition to current flow and is present in both AC and DC circuits, measured in ohms (Ω). Reactance, on the other hand, arises from the presence of inductors and capacitors in the circuit. It quantifies the opposition to the change in current due to the reactive components (inductance and capacitance) and is also measured in ohms.

In summary, impedance is calculated as the vector sum of resistance and reactance, which can be represented as:

Z = √(R² + X²)

Where R is resistance and X is reactance. Thus, the correct choice effectively describes how impedance incorporates both of these significant factors, making it essential for understanding the behavior of AC circuits.