Inductive reactance opposes what aspect of electrical flow?

Inductive reactance specifically opposes the flow of current in an alternating current (AC) circuit. It arises due to the properties of inductors, which store energy in a magnetic field when electrical current flows through them. When AC is applied, inductors create a condition where the current lags behind the voltage, affecting how much current can flow at a given time.

This relationship is defined by the formula for inductive reactance, which is based on the frequency of the AC signal and the inductance of the coil. Essentially, the higher the frequency or the inductance, the greater the opposition to current flow. In practical terms, this means that inductive reactance impacts how efficiently current can navigate through the circuit, making it a critical parameter in electrical engineering involving AC systems.