Topic outline

  • AC Circuits - Reactance

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This 38 page, 3 hour "basics" course covers how inductance, capacitance, and resistance affect alternating current.

    Topics:

    Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
    • State the effects an inductor has on a change in current and a capacitor has on a change in voltage.
    • State the phase relationships between current and voltage in an inductor and in a capacitor.
    • State the terms for the opposition an inductor and a capacitor offer to ac
    • Write the formulas for inductive and capacitive reactances.
    • State the effects of a change in frequency on X L and XC.
    • State the effects of a change in inductance on X L and a change in capacitance on XC.
    • Write the formula for determining total reactance (X); compute total reactance (X) in a series circuit; and indicate whether the total reactance is capacitive or inductive.
    • State the term given to the total opposition (Z) in an ac circuit.
    • Write the formula for impedance, and calculate the impedance in a series circuit when the values of XC, X L, and R are given.
    • Write the Ohm's law formulas used to determine voltage and current in an ac circuit.
    • Define true power, reactive power, and apparent power; state the unit of measurement for and the formula used to calculate each.
    • State the definition of and write the formula for power factor.
    • Given the power factor and values of X and R in an ac circuit, compute the value of reactance in the circuit, and state the type of reactance that must be connected in the circuit to correct the power factor to unity.
    • State the difference between calculating impedance in a series ac circuit and in a parallel AC circuit.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Publication Source: US Dept. of Energy


    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1