AC Parallel Circuit: Current In-Phase with Voltage?

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SUMMARY

In a parallel AC circuit, the current is not necessarily in phase with the voltage due to the differing characteristics of the components in each branch. While voltage remains constant across all branches, the current varies based on the type of load—resistive, inductive, or capacitive. Specifically, in a scenario with a resistor, inductor, and capacitor in parallel, each component exhibits a unique voltage and current relationship, leading to phase differences. Therefore, the assertion that current is in phase with voltage in parallel circuits is incorrect unless all branches are identical.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of AC circuit theory
  • Knowledge of resistive, inductive, and capacitive components
  • Familiarity with phase relationships in electrical circuits
  • Basic principles of parallel circuit configurations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the behavior of ideal resistors, inductors, and capacitors in AC circuits
  • Learn about phasor diagrams and their application in analyzing AC circuits
  • Explore the concept of impedance in parallel circuits
  • Investigate the effects of non-ideal components on phase relationships
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, students studying circuit theory, and anyone involved in designing or analyzing AC circuits will benefit from this discussion.

FionaZJ
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Current is in phase with voltage in series. What about in parallel?
 
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I disagree that "in series" makes the V and I in phase, If the load is only resistive, then yes. You can say that the current through each element in a series circuit is in phase. ( but not the voltage)

As for Parallel it depends on the components in the different branches. Consider 3 branches, a resistor, an inductor and a capacitor ( all ideal) -- they each have a different V & I relationship. The Voltage across each branch is the same, but not the currents ( unless the branches are identical - of course)
 
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Oh okay. Thank you
 

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