Impedance Equation:
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Impedance (Z) is the measure of opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied. In DC circuits, it's equivalent to resistance, while in AC circuits it includes both resistance and reactance.
The calculator uses the fundamental impedance equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that impedance is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to current.
Details: Calculating impedance is essential for designing electrical circuits, analyzing power systems, and troubleshooting electrical problems.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts (V) and current in amperes (A). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What's the difference between impedance and resistance?
A: Resistance applies to DC circuits only, while impedance includes both resistance and reactance (for AC circuits).
Q2: What are typical impedance values?
A: Impedance values vary widely depending on the circuit. Common values range from a few ohms to several thousand ohms.
Q3: Can this calculator be used for AC circuits?
A: This simple version calculates magnitude only. For AC circuits, phase angle calculations would be needed for complete impedance.
Q4: What units should I use?
A: Use volts for voltage and amperes for current to get impedance in ohms (Ω).
Q5: What if I get zero or infinite impedance?
A: Zero impedance suggests a short circuit, while infinite impedance suggests an open circuit.