AC Circuits - peak to peak voltage

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of peak-to-peak voltage in AC circuits, specifically focusing on a sine wave represented by the equation V=2sin(2t) V and the implications of cutting off negative values of the waveform.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition of peak-to-peak voltage and question how it is affected by cutting off the negative portion of a sine wave. There is a discussion about whether the peak-to-peak voltage changes from 4V to 2V under these conditions.

Discussion Status

Some participants agree with the modified peak-to-peak value, while others clarify that this modified waveform does not equate to a standard sine wave. The conversation indicates a productive exploration of the topic, with differing interpretations being discussed.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the distinction between peak-to-peak voltage and RMS voltage, highlighting that the effective power of the signal may differ based on the waveform's characteristics.

pyroknife
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Let's say you have a sine wave V=2sin(2t) V. For this peak to peak voltage is 4V.
Then let's say that everything below V=0 is cut off.
Is the peak to peak value for this just from 0 to 2V? Making Vpp=2V?
 
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pyroknife said:
Let's say you have a sine wave V=2sin(2t) V. For this peak to peak voltage is 4V.
Then let's say that everything below V=0 is cut off.
Is the peak to peak value for this just from 0 to 2V? Making Vpp=2V?

Yes, but it's not equivalent to a sine wave with 2V pk-pk = sin(2t). Not even if it's biased upwards so that V = 1 + sin(2t).
 
You are correct. pk-pk is exactly what it says, the difference between the maximum and minimum voltage. The v = 2sin(2t) signal cut off below 0 would have a pk-pk of 2 volts, but the rms voltage of this signal would be different from the rms voltage of the v =- sin(2t) signal. The rms voltage I am speaking of is the "root mean square" of tghe signal and is the effective power of the signal.
 

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