In the earlier difference between electrical and magnetic circuit tutorial, we have learned about electromagnetic opposition quantities (which opposes the flow of electric current in the circuit) such as resistance and reluctance.
These two quantities are having same opposition property. But, both have different specifications and used in different circuits.
Difference between Resistance and Reluctance
Resistance vs Reluctance in tabular format.
| Sr. No. | Content | Resistance | Reluctance |
| 1 | Definition | The property of the device which opposes the flowing current in the electrical circuit is known as Resistance. | The property of the device which opposes the flowing magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit is known as Reluctance. |
| 2 | Representation | The resistance is represented by R. | The reluctance is represented by S. |
| 3 | Used (Requirement) |
It is used in an electrical and Electronic circuit. | It is used in a magnetic circuit. |
| 4 | Formula |
Resistance is calculated by using formula- R = ( EMF / I ) or R = ( ρ l / a ) Where, EMF – Electromotive Force |
Reluctance is calculated by using formula- S = ( MMF / Φ ) or S = ( l / µ a ) Where, MMF – Magnetomotive Force |
| 5 | Unit | Resistance is measured in Ohm (Ω). | Reluctance is measured in Ampere-turns/Weber (AT / Wb). |
| 6 | Property (Function) |
The primary function of resistance is to limit the flow of electric current in an electrical circuit or system. | The primary function of reluctance is to limit the flow of magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. |
Circuit Diagram:
Figure: Resistance in Electrical Circuit
Figure: Reluctance in Magnetic Circuit
Resistance Calculator formula:
You can calculate the resistance (R) of the circuit from the current (I) and voltage (V) values.
Resistance = (Voltage / Current) or Resistance = (Electromotive Force / Current )
Here is a simple calculator you can use to find the resistance.
Reluctance Calculator formula:
You can calculate the reluctance (S) of the circuit from the magnetic flux (Φ) and magnetomotive force (MMF) values.
Reluctance = (Magnetomotive Force / Magnetic Flux )
Here is a simple calculator you can use to find the reluctance.
These are very simple points to understand these points about the difference between resistance and reluctance. If you have any doubts, comment below.
More related Topic:
- What is Resistance?
- Resistance Vs Reactance
- Capacitance Vs Inductance
- How to Calculate Resistance Using Color Code?
Thanks for Reading!
I have completed master in Electrical Power System. I work and write technical tutorials on the PLC, MATLAB programming, and Electrical on DipsLab.com portal.
Sharing my knowledge on this blog makes me happy. And sometimes I delve in Python programming.
Well explained and summarised notes.
Thanks, Francis 🙂