When a transmission line is absorbing VARs from the system, which characteristic is the line exhibiting?

When a transmission line is absorbing VARs (Volt-Ampere Reactive) from the system, it is exhibiting inductance. Inductance is a property of electrical circuits where a coil or winding generates a magnetic field in response to the flow of current, which can store energy in that magnetic field.

In power systems, inductive loads tend to draw reactive power from the grid, resulting in the line absorbing VARs. This absorption occurs because inductors resist changes in current, creating a reactive power flow towards the source to maintain the system stability.

Capacitance, in contrast, is the property of a system that allows it to store energy in an electric field and typically provides reactive power to the system when supplying VARs. Resistance pertains to the real power losses due to heat in conductors, and impedance represents the total opposition that a circuit presents to the flow of alternating current, which includes both resistance and reactance (inductive and capacitive).

Thus, the key characteristic when a transmission line absorbs VARs is its inductive nature, which is responsible for drawing reactive power in such situations.