Capacitor and Inductor in Series

AI Thread Summary
In a series circuit with a capacitor and inductor connected to an alternating supply, the reactances do not simply add; instead, they are out of phase and effectively subtract from one another. The formula for total impedance in such a circuit is Z = iωL - i/ωC, indicating that capacitive reactance (X_C) and inductive reactance (X_L) interact oppositely. A participant seeks assistance in determining the appropriate capacitor size for a specific generator model, providing detailed specifications. There is confusion regarding the formulas and calculations involved, especially after a long absence from studying these concepts. Overall, understanding the relationship between reactance and impedance is crucial for troubleshooting and effective circuit design.
richardstan
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Hi, if you have a capacitor and inductor in series connected to an Alternating Supply, do their reactances add up?
Thanks
Richard.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, reactance behaves just like resistance in resistive circuits.
 
Ummm, they add like this 5 & 4 = 1.

Capactitive reactance is 180 degrees out of phase from inductive reactance, so you actually subtract one from the another.

It's good to go back to the definitions. In series,

Z= i\omega L + \frac{1}{i\omega C}

where X_{L}=Im(Z)
 
Last edited:
I miswrote, sorry. I thought I saw "impedance" instead of "reactance". But why are you considering reactances and not impedances? The former is part of the latter.
 
I have a generator that needs a new capasitor and I cannot find one any where! can someone tell me what size I need for a kawaqsaki 5.0 ops FA210D modle number: GGK-26-B serile number KJ19-78B
KW: 2.65 Amps:22 KVA: 2.65 Phase:1
voltage: 120 RPM:3600
HZ: 60
would appreciate anyons help!
russhart70
or give me a formula,? PLZ.
 
Phrak said:
Z= i\omega L + \frac{1}{i\omega C}
= i\omega L - \frac{i}{\omega C}

because: 1/i = -i

So, they subtract.
 
it has been 12 years since i graduated collage, and can't quit understand the formula, I wired two capasitors together and now I am pushing 175 volts out of this generator? cannot rember wat I did?? I am a licenced electrician, and I guess its been to long since I have had to figure this stuff out!
 
goin to get my books out real quick!
 
do not understand wat L = wat I know is P=wats I = amps E=volts R=omes
 
  • #10
I guess I AM
 
Back
Top