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reactance
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Reactance
Reactance is the effect on an electrical current caused by a material's
ability to store energy. Reactance is seen as a time delay between an applied
electrical potential and current.
A material that stores energy readily has high reactance, and causes a
large delay in the current. A material that stores energy poorly has low
reactance and causes a small delay in the current.
For example, water poured onto the top of a sponge will flow out the bottom
after a delay in time. A large sponge will cause a large delay in the flow
of water out the bottom, while a small sponge would cause a small delay.
Current flows in materials in much the same way. The delay in flow of current
due to storage is the reactance. Units of reactance are called ohms.
Why is this the case?
Cell membranes consist of a layer of nonconductive lipophilic material
interposed between two layers of conductive molecules. They behave like
tiny capacitors - storing energy. Reactance in the body reflects the strength
of this capacitance.
How is reactance measured?
A small current is applied through the body. The potential required to
generate the current is measured. The ratio of potential and current along
with a process called correlation and integration is used to determine
the reactance.
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