Which term describes the measure of a cable's opposition to alternating current?

The term that describes the measure of a cable's opposition to alternating current is impedance. Impedance is a comprehensive term that encompasses both resistive and reactive components of the opposition faced by the current. It is measured in ohms and takes into account not just the resistance (which is the opposition to direct current) but also reactance, which arises due to the cable's inductance and capacitance when alternating current flows through it.

In practical terms, impedance is critical in assessing how efficiently a cable can transmit AC signals, which is especially important in data and telecommunications settings. Proper impedance matching is essential for minimizing signal loss and maintaining signal integrity. Understanding impedance helps technicians design and troubleshoot network systems effectively, ensuring optimal performance of data transmission.