Which symbol is commonly used to signify impedance?

The symbol commonly used to signify impedance in electrical engineering and related fields is Z. Impedance is a measure of how much a circuit resists the flow of alternating current (AC) and is a complex quantity that combines both resistance and reactance.

In practical terms, Z represents the total opposition a circuit offers to the flow of AC, encompassing both the resistive (real) component and reactive (imaginary) component. This makes Z an essential parameter when analyzing AC circuits.

The other symbols have specific meanings within the context of electrical engineering. For example, X usually denotes reactance alone (the component of impedance that represents the effect of inductance or capacitance). R' may refer to a type of adjusted resistance, and Xe is often associated with the reactive component in a context separate from the general use of impedance. By using Z specifically, it highlights the comprehensive nature of the total impedance that includes both resistive and reactive parts.