Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G5A
G5A04G5A

Which of the following is opposition to the flow of alternating current in a capacitor?

Deep Dive: G5A04

The correct answer is C: Reactance. The opposition to the flow of alternating current in a capacitor is reactance. Capacitive reactance (XC) is the opposition that capacitors present to AC current. For amateur radio operators, this is a fundamental circuit concept. Understanding this helps when working with capacitors.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A (Conductance): Incorrect. Conductance is the inverse of resistance (1/R), not the opposition in a capacitor. Conductance isn't for capacitors. Option B (Reluctance): Incorrect. Reluctance is a magnetic circuit term, not an electrical circuit term for AC opposition. Reluctance is for magnetic circuits. Option D (Admittance): Incorrect. Admittance is the inverse of impedance (1/Z), not the opposition in a capacitor. Admittance isn't the opposition.

Exam Tip

Capacitor AC opposition = reactance. Think 'C'apacitor = 'C'apacitive 'R'eactance. Capacitors present reactance (specifically capacitive reactance XC) to AC current. Not conductance, reluctance, or admittance - just reactance.

Memory Aid

Capacitor AC opposition = reactance. Think 'C'apacitor = 'C'apacitive 'R'eactance. Capacitors present reactance (XC) to AC current. Frequency-dependent opposition to AC.

Real-World Example

A capacitor in an AC circuit presents capacitive reactance (XC = 1/(2πfC)), which opposes AC current flow. The reactance decreases with frequency - higher frequency means less opposition. This is the opposition that capacitors present to AC.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G5A

Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G5 - Electrical Principles

Key Concepts

Capacitor Reactance Capacitive reactance AC opposition

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G5A topic.