Calculating Peak Current in a Microfarad Capacitor Circuit

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the peak current through a .30 microfarad capacitor connected to an AC generator with a peak voltage of 10.0 V and a frequency of 100 Hz, the formula Ic = Vc/Xc is used, where Xc is the capacitive reactance calculated as Xc = 1/(2πfC). The initial calculation of 53,051 A was incorrect due to a misunderstanding of the equation, as it mistakenly multiplied Vc by Xc instead of dividing. The correct peak current is found to be 1.8 x 10^-3 A. Clarification on the use of the formula led to the correct understanding of the relationship between voltage, current, and reactance.
Sarah88
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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!
 
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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! :)
 

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