AC theoryQuestion 950 of 1506

What does a high Q factor mean for an inductor?

  1. It has a high effective resistance in the coil.
  2. It has a high DC resistance and no reactance.
  3. It has no inductance at all and is only a resistor.
  4. It is nearer a pure inductor, with low resistance.
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Correct answer: It is nearer a pure inductor, with low resistance.

Q compares reactance with effective resistance. The higher the Q, the purer the inductor.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits II: AC (Kuphaldt), 3.5: Inductor Quirks

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026