In an AC circuit, what is the term for the total opposition to the flow of current?

In an AC circuit, the total opposition to the flow of current is referred to as impedance. Impedance is a comprehensive term that combines both resistance and reactance, which are the two components that oppose current flow in an electrical circuit. Resistance refers specifically to the opposition to current flow offered by resistive elements, such as resistors, and is measured in ohms.

Reactance, on the other hand, is the opposition to current flow caused by capacitors and inductors in an AC circuit, also expressed in ohms, but it varies with the frequency of the AC signal. Impedance is a more inclusive term that incorporates both these factors, allowing for a more complete understanding of how AC circuits behave.

Voltage drop, while it plays a significant role in circuit analysis, specifically refers to the reduction in voltage across a component in a circuit due to resistance and is not the term used for total opposition to current flow. Therefore, impedance is the correct term for the total opposition encountered by alternating current in its path through a circuit.