In a series RL circuit, what does the reactance typically oppose?

In a series RL circuit, the reactance primarily opposes AC voltage. This is because the inductive reactance, which is associated with the inductor in the circuit, is a key factor in how inductors respond to alternating current (AC). Inductors resist changes in current due to the principle of self-induction. When an AC voltage is applied, the inductor generates a back electromotive force (EMF) that opposes the input voltage, effectively causing a phase difference between the voltage and the current.

The concept of reactance is specifically related to AC circuits, where the frequency of the alternating current is a critical factor influencing the inductive reactance. Reactance does not apply in the same way to direct current (DC) systems, as in a DC circuit, the inductor eventually behaves as a short circuit once the current stabilizes.

By contrast, resistive current refers to the portion of the current that is aligned with the voltage in a purely resistive circuit and does not emphasize the opposition created by reactance. Capacitive current pertains to a different type of reactance found in capacitive circuits and is not applicable when discussing inductive reactance in the context of RL circuits. Therefore, the correct option to indicate