Enter the total capacitance and frequency into the calculator. The calculator will evaluate and display the capacitive reactance.

Capacitive Reactance Formula

The following formula is used to calculate capacitive reactance.

Xc = 1/(2*Pi*f*C)

Where Xc is the capacitive reactance
f is the frequency
C is the capacitance

To calculate the capacitive reactance, divide 1 by the product of 2 times pi times the frequency times the capacitance.

Capacitive Reactance Definition

Capacitive reactance is the force of resistance to a voltage change moving across a circuit or element. In other words, the opposition to change.

Capacitive Reactance Example

How to calculate capacitive reactance.

First, determine the frequency.
Measure the frequency of the circuit.
Next, determine the capacitance.
Calculate the total capacitance.
Finally, calculate the capacitive reactance.
Using the formula above, calculate the capacitive reactance.

FAQ

What factors affect capacitive reactance in a circuit?

Capacitive reactance is influenced by the frequency of the AC (alternating current) and the capacitance of the capacitor in the circuit. Higher frequencies or lower capacitances lead to lower capacitive reactance, and vice versa.

How does capacitive reactance differ from resistance?

While both capacitive reactance and resistance oppose the flow of current in a circuit, they do so in different ways. Resistance opposes both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) uniformly, while capacitive reactance specifically opposes changes in voltage in AC circuits, decreasing as the frequency increases.

Can capacitive reactance be negative?

Capacitive reactance itself is not negative; it represents the opposition to the change in voltage across a capacitor. However, in calculations involving complex impedance, the capacitive reactance is often represented with a negative imaginary component to distinguish it from inductive reactance, which is positive.

Capacitive Reactance Calculator