Real simple:
          
          Inductance is the ability to store electrical energy as a 
          magnetic field.
          
          Capacitance is the ability to store electrical energy as an 
          electric field.
          
          Characteristic Impedance is the ability of a transmission 
          line to support converting electrical energy into magnetic 
          fields AND electrical fields along the line.
          
          Since Characteristic Impedance is calculated from a ratio of 
          inductance to capacitance, it should not make a difference 
          how long the wire is: 
          
          if you take ten miles of wire with an inductance per mile 
          and divide it by ten miles of capacitance per mile, the ten 
          cancels out top and bottom. the miles cancels out top and 
          bottom, and, the per mile cancels out top and bottom.  
          You're left with impedance
          
          Doug McKean, ADC Video, [log in to unmask]
          
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Definitions
Author:  [log in to unmask] at internet-mail 
Date:    5/15/96 8:26 AM
          
          
Would like to ask for some help on getting some definitions. I am = 
looking for a simple definition for inductance and characteristic = 
impedance. I am presenting to a group that is new to CI and would like = 
to keep things simple and easy to understand.
          
Thank you in advance