If a line has 200 ohms of capacitive reactance and 600 ohms of inductive reactance, what is the total reactance?

To determine the total reactance in a circuit that contains both capacitive and inductive reactance, you can apply the principle that these two types of reactance affect the total reactance in opposite ways. Capacitive reactance is considered negative while inductive reactance is considered positive.

In this case, you have a capacitive reactance of 200 ohms and an inductive reactance of 600 ohms. To find the total reactance, you subtract the capacitive reactance from the inductive reactance:

Total reactance = Inductive reactance - Capacitive reactance

Total reactance = 600 ohms - 200 ohms = 400 ohms.

This calculation gives you a total reactance of 400 ohms, which is why this is the correct answer.

The other options do not align with the proper calculation of total reactance when considering both types. For instance, stating 200 ohms would imply a misunderstanding of the relationship between capacitive and inductive reactance. Similarly, suggesting 600 ohms ignores the influence of the capacitive reactance entirely, and 800 ohms would incorrectly add reactance as if they were in series without accounting for their opposing effects.