Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G5A
G5A11G5A

What letter is used to represent reactance?

Deep Dive: G5A11

The correct answer is B: X. The letter used to represent reactance is X. Reactance is typically represented by X, with XL for inductive reactance and XC for capacitive reactance. For amateur radio operators, this is standard notation. Understanding this helps when reading circuit diagrams and formulas.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A (Z): Incorrect. Z represents impedance, not reactance. Impedance includes both resistance and reactance. Option C (B): Incorrect. B represents susceptance (imaginary part of admittance), not reactance. Susceptance is the inverse of reactance. Option D (Y): Incorrect. Y represents admittance (inverse of impedance), not reactance. Admittance is 1/Z, not reactance.

Exam Tip

Reactance letter = X. Think 'R'eactance = 'X' (unknown/variable). Reactance is represented by X, with XL for inductive and XC for capacitive. Not Z (impedance), not B (susceptance), not Y (admittance) - just X.

Memory Aid

Reactance letter = X. Think 'R'eactance = 'X'. Reactance is represented by X, with XL for inductive and XC for capacitive. Standard notation for reactance.

Real-World Example

In formulas, you see XL for inductive reactance and XC for capacitive reactance. The letter X represents reactance. For example, XL = 2πfL and XC = 1/(2πfC). X is the standard symbol for reactance.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G5A

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

Key Concepts

Reactance Letter X Notation Symbol

Verified Content

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