In magnetic circuit analysis, which property is most directly analogous to electrical resistance in an electric circuit, considering how it impedes magnetic flux?

Introduction / Context:
Magnetic circuits can be compared to electrical circuits using helpful analogies. The idea is to map magnetic quantities (magnetomotive force, flux, and material properties) to electrical quantities (voltage, current, and resistance) to aid intuition and design.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We use standard magnetic–electrical analogies.
• Idealized, linear materials are assumed for the basic comparison.
• No fringing or leakage is considered in the core analogy.

Concept / Approach:
In the common analogy: magnetomotive force (F) corresponds to voltage (V), magnetic flux (phi) corresponds to current (I), and reluctance (R_m) corresponds to resistance (R). Thus F = phi * R_m parallels V = I * R. Permeance is the inverse of reluctance (like conductance), and permeability is a material parameter that affects reluctance but is not the direct analog of resistance.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Permeance P_m = 1 / R_m maps to conductance G = 1 / R; permeability mu contributes to R_m but is not the analog itself.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing permeability with permeance, or mixing up which quantity is the inverse in the analogy.

Final Answer:
Reluctance.