What is the primary factor that resists frequency drop after a contingency?

Study for the NERC Transmission Operations (TOP) Exam with our multiple choice questions and comprehensive explanations. Prepare effectively and boost your confidence for test day!

Inertia is the primary factor that resists frequency drop after a contingency because it refers to the mechanical energy stored in the rotating mass of synchronous generators and motors connected to the power system. When a contingency occurs, such as the sudden loss of a generator or a significant drop in load, the immediate response of the system is influenced by this inertia.

The inertia of rotating machinery provides a buffering effect; it helps maintain grid frequency by resisting sudden changes in power output. Essentially, as the system experiences a disturbance, the kinetic energy from these rotating masses demands time to change speed, allowing for a more gradual and controlled frequency response.

This characteristic of inertia is crucial for system stability, as it ensures that the frequency does not drop abruptly, giving other control mechanisms, like governor response and load adjustments, some time to act and help restore balance in the system. While other factors like load response and governor action are significant in managing frequency deviations after a disturbance, the immediate resistance to frequency drop is primarily attributable to the inertia present in the network.

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