What principle does inductive reactance operate on?

Inductive reactance is a concept fundamental to understanding how inductors behave in alternating current (AC) circuits. It operates on the principle that inductors oppose changes in current flow. This opposition arises because inductors generate a magnetic field when current flows through them. According to Lenz's law, any change in the current flow will induce a voltage in the opposite direction, effectively resisting the change.

In AC circuits, the current direction changes periodically, and inductive reactance becomes significant because it creates a phase shift between the voltage and current. This characteristic is critical in AC applications, as it affects the overall impedance of the circuit and can impact the efficiency and functionality of various electrical systems.

The other options do not accurately convey the primary principle at work with inductive reactance. While inductors do indeed convert electrical energy into magnetic energy, that is not the principle of inductive reactance itself. Storing energy in an electric field pertains more to capacitors, not inductors. Additionally, while inductors do allow current to flow, they do so with a specific characteristic of opposition to changes rather than merely allowing current without resistance.