What is the total opposition to current in an AC circuit known as?

The total opposition to current in an AC circuit is known as impedance. Impedance encompasses both the resistance and the reactance present in the circuit. Resistance refers to the opposition to current flow that is caused by resistive elements, while reactance is the opposition to current flow that is created by inductors and capacitors due to changes in current and voltage over time.

The importance of impedance lies in its role in determining how much current will flow in response to a given voltage in an AC circuit. Unlike direct current (DC) circuits, where only resistance plays a role, AC circuits require consideration of both resistance and reactance because of the frequency-dependent nature of these components. Therefore, impedance is expressed in ohms and is a crucial concept for analyzing and working with AC electrical systems, ensuring accurate calculations in circuit design and troubleshooting.