Question

what role does PI play in regard to capacitive and inductive reactance?

Answer 1

Inductive Reactance:

Inductive reactance (X_L) means resistance with oppose to flow of current through an AC inductor that depends linearly on the frequency supply.

Following figure-1 shows the Inductive Reactance:

In this above figure-1 V(t) shows the supply voltage, I_L shows the flow of current, X_L stands for inductive reactance or omega (ω).

Inductive Reactance (X_L) = 2 π f L

Where:

X_L= Inductive Reactance in Ohms, (Ω)

Π(PI) = A numeric constant value 3.142

f= Frequency in Hertz, (Hz)

L= Inductance in Henries, (H)

Capacitive Reactance:

Capacitive reactance (X_C) means the complex impedance of a capacitor which values changes according to the applied frequency.

Following figure-2 shows the Capacitive Reactance:

Capacitive Reactance (X_C) = 1/2 π f C

Where:

   Xc = Capacitive Reactance. In form of ohms, (Ω)

   π (PI) = A numeric constant value 3.142

   ƒ = Frequency in Hertz, (Hz)

   C = Capacitance in Farads, (F)

From above comparison between capacitive and inductive reactance the role of PI changes like in case of inductive reactance value of PI present directly but in capacitive reactance value of PI present inversely.