So the other day in my systems and controls lab for my electrical engineering course we were asked a to researc ha question for extra marks.
In my lab, there is a reed relay unit that states the resistance through it measures 2.6K ohms. (It is 120/208V I think, but it's not important as this isn't a calculated question just theory)

Yet, when we use Z = E/I and find the impedance, we get a significantly lower number than resistance.

My Question for you, lies in this: How can the relay unit operate properly considering it is not theoretically possible for impedance to be lower than resistance.

Why does this unit work when it's resistance is far greater than it's impedance?

If you can give me a legitimate answer I will 100% make sure you get a bit of FG for your time.

I'm curious to know

are you confusing the 2 circuits , contact and coil
or, i don't understand this enough

When you were checking the impedance of the coil you should have found that the resistance showed open circuit. The actual resistance reading of the coil (I measured it with another meter) is 2.6 kOhms, the current through it was 0.9 A at 122 V.
I’d like you to tell me if those values make sense and if not do a little research to find out why they are that way. Hand in something written or email me something with some explanation and any references used.

This is what we were given, my teacher does not know the answer

the resistance of the coilshould not be open circuit , otherwise no latching. unless energizing the coil caused delatching