What is the effect of increasing the impedance in an AC circuit?

In an AC circuit, increasing the impedance results in a reduction of the current flow, following Ohm's Law, which states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by impedance (Z). When impedance is increased while the voltage remains constant, the overall current that flows through the circuit must decrease. This principle applies to both resistive and reactive components of impedance, affecting how much current can pass through the circuit.

Impedance in an AC circuit includes not only resistance but also reactance, which accounts for the effects of inductance and capacitance. As impedance increases, the circuit becomes more resistant to the flow of current. Hence, you observe a lower current when voltage is constant.

This understanding is foundational in AC circuit theory, as it underscores the role of impedance in controlling current levels, which is essential for proper circuit design and function.