Calculating Peak Current in a Microfarad Capacitor Circuit

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the peak current in a capacitor circuit, specifically a 0.30 microfarad capacitor connected to an AC generator with a peak voltage of 10.0 V and a frequency of 100 Hz. The correct formula for peak current (Ic) is Ic = Vc / Xc, where Xc is the capacitive reactance calculated as Xc = 1 / (2 * π * f * C). The user initially miscalculated the peak current as 53,051 A, while the correct answer is 1.8 * 10^-3 A, highlighting the importance of correctly applying the formula for capacitive reactance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of AC circuits
  • Familiarity with capacitive reactance (Xc)
  • Knowledge of the relationship between voltage, current, and reactance
  • Basic proficiency in using mathematical equations involving π
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of capacitive reactance in detail
  • Learn how to calculate peak current in various AC circuits
  • Explore the implications of frequency on capacitive circuits
  • Investigate the differences between AC and DC circuit calculations
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, hobbyists working on AC circuits, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of capacitor behavior in alternating current applications.

Sarah88
Messages
14
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A .30 microfarad capacitor is connected across an AC generator that produces a peak voltage of 10.0 V. What is the peak current through the capacitor if the emf frequency is 100 Hz?


Homework Equations


Ic (peak current)= Vc/Xc, Xc= 1/(2*pi*f*C)


The Attempt at a Solution



I solved the equation as: 10V/(2*pi*100 Hz*.30*10^-6 F)= 53051 A, however the book answer is completely different (1.8*10^-3 A), so any hints toward a better equation to use (or better method) would be great. Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Look at XC again!

VC/XC = VC/(1/(2·π·f·C))

What you computed was VC·XC
 
Ohh, that makes a lot more sense! Thank you! :)
 

Similar threads

Energy in capacitor at steady state
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Solve Capacitor Circuits Homework: 20nF, 5V Peak Voltage, 50mA Peak Current
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
16K
How Do You Calculate Capacitance in a DC Circuit with a Fully Charged Capacitor?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Change in Capacitor for largest possible Current
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Determine the effective current value in the circuit with C and R
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Capacitor Peak Current and Voltage in an AC Circuit
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Potential difference between 2 points in a capacitor circuit
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
Calculation of current in driven series RLC circuit
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Current as a function of time in an RC circuit
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
9K
Solve RC Circuit Problem: 45V -> 10V in 4.21ms
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K