Calculating Peak Current in a Series RLC Circuit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the peak current in a series RLC circuit comprising a 100 ohm resistor, a 0.10 H inductor, and a 100 microfarad capacitor connected to a 120 V/60 Hz power line. The formula used for peak current is I=V/Z, where Z is the impedance calculated using Z=sqrt(R^2+(omegaL - (omegaC)^-1)). The confusion arose from the realization that the provided voltage was the RMS value, necessitating multiplication by sqrt(2) to obtain the peak current. The correct peak current was determined to be 1.2 A after this adjustment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series RLC circuit components (resistor, inductor, capacitor)
  • Knowledge of impedance calculation in AC circuits
  • Familiarity with RMS and peak voltage concepts
  • Proficiency in using trigonometric functions and square roots
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between RMS and peak values in AC circuits
  • Learn about impedance in RLC circuits using complex numbers
  • Explore the effects of frequency on impedance in series circuits
  • Investigate the use of simulation tools for circuit analysis, such as LTspice
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, educators teaching circuit analysis, and professionals working with AC circuits who need to understand peak current calculations in RLC circuits.

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Homework Statement


A series RLC circuit consists of a 100 ohm resistor, a 0.10 H inductor, and a 100 micro farad capacitor. It is attached to a 120 V/60 Hz power line. What is the peak current, I?


Homework Equations


I=V/Z
Z=sqrt(R^2+(omegaL - (omegaC)^-1))
omega=2pif


The Attempt at a Solution


I=120/sqrt(100^2+(2pi(60)*.1 - (2pi(60)*100x10^-6)^-1)^2)=1.2
The program is saying it's wrong.
I'm confused what I'm doing wrong, exactly. I'm thinking the omega is wrong, but I don't know how I would get omega otherwise.
Thanks for your help.
 
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I eventually figured it out... apparently 120 V is the rms value, which they clearly do NOT indicate what-so-ever... so my value of I was really I rms, and they just wanted it in I. My answer times sqrt(2) gave me the correct answer.
 

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