What is the difference between AC and DC Resistance.docx

What is the difference between AC and DC Resistance & How to calculate it? Resistance The property of a substance or material which oppose the flow of electricity through it is called resistance OR, Resistance is the ability of a circuit or element (which is called resistor) to oppose current. Examples of Resistors with the ability of high resistance are Wood, Air, Mica, Glass, Rubber, Tungsten etc. Unit of Resistance is “Ohm” and it is denoted by Ω and it is represented by “R”.

AC Resistance In Simple words, Resistance in AC circuits is called Impedance. Or The Overall resistance (Resistance, Inductive reactance and Capacitive reactance) in AC circuits is called Impedance (Z). Explanation: When AC Current pass through a wire (resistor, inductor), then current produces a magnetic field across that wire which opposes the flow of AC Current in it along with the resistance of that wire. This oppose cause is called Inductance or Inductance is the property of Coil (or wire) due to which opposes any increase or decrease of current or flux through it. Also, we know that inductance is only exist in AC because the magnitude of current continuously changing Inductive Reactance XL, is the property of Coil or wire in an AC circuit which opposes the change in the current. The unit of Inductive reactance is same as Resistance, capacitive reactance i.e. Ohm (Ω) but the representative symbol of capacitive reactance is XL. Likewise, Capacitive Reactance in a capacitive circuit is the opposition to current flow in AC circuits only. The unit of capacitive reactance is same as Resistance, Inductive reactance i.e. Ohm (Ω) but the representative symbol of capacitive reactance is XC. Measuring AC Resistance Electrical Resistance & Impedance Formulas in AC Circuits In AC Circuits (Capacitive or inductive Load), Resistance = Impedance i.e., R = Z Z = √ (R2 + XL2)… In case of Inductive Load Z = √ (R2 + XC2)…In case of Capacitive Load Z = √ (R2 + (XL- XC)2…In case of both inductive and capacitive Loads. *Good to know: Where; XL = Inductive reactance XL = 2πfL…Where L = Inductance in Henry And;

Xc = Capacitive reactance Xc = 1/2πfC… Where C = Capacitance in Farads. DC Resistance We know that there is no concept of Inductive and Coactive reactances in DC Circuits. i.e. capacitive and inductive reactances in DC circuits zero because there is no frequency in DC circuits, i.e. magnitude of DC current is constant. Therefore, only the original resistance of wire comes into play. Good to know: That’s why the resistance offered by a wire is lower for DC than AC. Measuring DC Resistance Electrical Resistance Formulas In DC Circuits, we calculate the resistance by Ohm’s Law. R = V/I. Good to Know: When solving electric circuits for finding resistance and you are not sure which one should you take into account whether AC or DC resistances, then, if the current passed is AC, then take AC resistance else if the current passed is DC, take DC resistance.