In an AC circuit, what is the term for the opposition to the supply voltage when the conductor is wound into a coil?

In an AC circuit, the term that describes the opposition to the supply voltage when the conductor is wound into a coil is inductive reactance. This phenomenon occurs because inductors, or coils, create a magnetic field when current flows through them. As the current changes, the magnetic field also changes, inducing a counter electromotive force (EMF) that opposes the change in current. This results in an increase in opposition to the flow of alternating current, characterized as inductive reactance.

Inductive reactance is frequency-dependent; it increases with higher frequencies, which means that the current’s phase angle is shifted relative to the voltage, impacting the overall circuit behavior. This play between voltage and current in inductive components is a fundamental principle in understanding AC circuit dynamics, especially in applications involving motors and transformers, where coils are commonly used.