Add currents with same frequency but different phase?

1. Jan 17, 2016

yosimba2000

So assuming I1 = 1<10 and I2 = 2<20

And assume these current sources are in parallel, pointing in same direction.

Can I say total current is I1 + I2 = 1<10 + 2<20 ?

I would convert the phasor to complex number to combine them, but will this work?

Last edited: Jan 17, 2016
2. Jan 17, 2016

Hesch

Of course it will work.
That's why use of complex numbers is widespread in electric systems.

3. Jan 17, 2016

leright

As Hesch mentioned, that is why complex numbers are used to represent AC signals. When the frequency is the same for two signals you can write the signals as complex numbers, which contain the amplitude and phase information, and then add them together like you would any two complex numbers. the resultant complex number contains the resultant amplitude and phase information.

When the frequencies are different then you have a more complicated problem. :)

4. Jan 18, 2016

sophiecentaur

. . . or you can draw the vector triangle and get the same answer.