1. What is Total Capacitive Reactance?

Total capacitive reactance (X_c) is the opposition that a capacitor offers to alternating current (AC) due to its capacitance. It decreases with increasing frequency and increasing capacitance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the capacitive reactance formula:

Where:

• \( X_{c_{total}} \) — Total capacitive reactance (Ω)
• \( f \) — Frequency of the AC signal (Hz)
• \( C_{eq} \) — Equivalent capacitance (F)
• \( \pi \) — Mathematical constant (~3.14159)

Explanation: The formula shows that reactance is inversely proportional to both frequency and capacitance. Higher frequencies or larger capacitances result in lower reactance.

3. Importance of Capacitive Reactance

Details: Understanding capacitive reactance is crucial for designing AC circuits, filters, impedance matching networks, and analyzing circuit behavior at different frequencies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter frequency in hertz (Hz) and capacitance in farads (F). For microfarads (μF), multiply by 10^-6. For nanofarads (nF), multiply by 10^-9. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does reactance differ from resistance?
A: Reactance is frequency-dependent opposition to AC, while resistance is opposition to both AC and DC. Reactance doesn't dissipate power like resistance does.

Q2: What happens at DC (0 Hz)?
A: At DC, capacitive reactance becomes infinite (open circuit), which is why capacitors block DC current.

Q3: How do capacitors in series/parallel affect reactance?
A: Series capacitors decrease equivalent capacitance (increasing reactance), while parallel capacitors increase equivalent capacitance (decreasing reactance).

Q4: What is the phase relationship in capacitive reactance?
A: Current leads voltage by 90° in a purely capacitive circuit.

Q5: How does reactance affect filter circuits?
A: The frequency-dependent nature of reactance is what makes RC and LC filters possible, allowing certain frequencies to pass while blocking others.