What is the total opposition to current flow in an AC circuit called, what is it measured in, and what is its symbol?

The total opposition to current flow in an AC circuit is called impedance. Impedance encompasses not just the resistance (which opposes the current flow in any electrical circuit) but also takes into account the effects of inductance and capacitance. This makes it an essential concept in alternating current circuits, where the behavior of components can vary with frequency.

Impedance is measured in ohms, which is the same unit used for resistance. The symbol used to represent impedance in electrical equations is Z.

In an AC circuit, since both resistance and reactance (from inductors and capacitors) contribute to the total opposition, understanding impedance is crucial for analyzing and designing circuits effectively. This distinguishes it from the other terms listed, which refer to specific types of opposition to current or charge.