What is the relationship between frequency and capacitive reactance (Xc)?

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!

Capacitive reactance (Xc) is an important concept in electrical engineering that quantifies how a capacitor resists the flow of alternating current (AC). The formula to calculate capacitive reactance is given by:

[

Xc = \frac{1}{2\pi f C}

]

where (f) is the frequency of the AC signal and (C) is the capacitance. From this formula, we can observe that capacitive reactance is inversely proportional to frequency. As frequency increases, that term in the equation becomes larger, causing the overall value of Xc to decrease. Conversely, when the frequency decreases, Xc increases.

This relationship is critical in the operation of electrical systems, especially in power transmission and distribution, as it affects how capacitors behave in responsive power systems. In applications involving capacitors, understanding how frequency influences capacitive reactance helps engineers and operators design systems that maintain voltage stability and respond effectively to load changes.

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