Calculating Resistance and Inductance of Coil in AC Circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the resistance and inductance of a wire coil in an AC circuit, as well as exploring the effects of adding a capacitor to the circuit. The scope includes theoretical calculations, application of formulas, and understanding the implications of circuit components in an AC environment.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the resistance using the formula P/I^2 and arrives at 112.5 ohms, while also calculating the inductive reactance and inductance based on the given voltage and current.
  • Another participant questions the use of 170V in the calculations, suggesting that the supply voltage is 180V and proposes a different approach to find the current magnitude.
  • There is uncertainty expressed regarding the combination of inductive and capacitive reactance when a capacitor is added to the circuit, with one participant asking how they combine arithmetically.
  • A later reply confirms the formula for impedance when a capacitor is added, suggesting that Z=sqrt(R^2+(XL-XC)^2) is correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty and confusion regarding the calculations and the effects of adding a capacitor. There is no consensus on the correct approach to the problem, as different interpretations and methods are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in calculations and assumptions about voltage values. The discussion reflects a reliance on specific formulas and the need for clarity on how reactances interact in AC circuits.

Squeeky21
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1. Homework Statement .
A wire coil has both resistance and inductance, and is connected in series to an AC power supply with 80Hz and 180V, drawing 0.4A current and 18W power. The circuit consists of a single loop.
1. Calculate the inductance and resistance of coil
2. Plot vector of impedance of coil at 50Hz in the impedance place
3. A capacitor is added to the circuit. What capacitance would maximize the current and power delivered to the coil?
4. What will the new current and power be once the capacitance of part 3 is added?


2. Homework Equations
P/I^2=R
XL=V/I
L=XL/2*pi*f
Z=sqrt(R^2+XL^2)
XC=V/I
C=1/(2*∏*f*XC)

3. The Attempt at a Solution .
I found P/I^2=R--> 18W/.4A^2=112.5ohms.
Then I found XL=V/I-->170V/.4A=425ohms.
Then I found L=XL/2*pi*f-->425ohms/(2*pi*60Hz)=1.23H.
Next, using Z=sqrt(R^2+XL^2), I got sqrt(112.5^2+425^2)=439.637 oms.
Next, I have V/I=XC-->170V/.4A=425Ω.
Next, C=1/(2*∏*f*XC) -->1/(2*∏*60Hz*425Ω)=6.24*10^-6F.
I feel I am off somewhere, but I am not sure where.
I also am not sure how to recalculate for power and current because I keep getting my original values.
I feel I made an error somewhere, but I am not sure where.
I am also still confused as to what happens when I add the capacitor.
 
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Squeeky21 said:
1. Homework Statement .
A wire coil has both resistance and inductance, and is connected in series to an AC power supply with 80Hz and 180V, drawing 0.4A current and 18W power. The circuit consists of a single loop.
1. Calculate the inductance and resistance of coil
2. Plot vector of impedance of coil at 50Hz in the impedance place
3. A capacitor is added to the circuit. What capacitance would maximize the current and power delivered to the coil?
4. What will the new current and power be once the capacitance of part 3 is added?


2. Homework Equations
P/I^2=R
XL=V/I
L=XL/2*pi*f
Z=sqrt(R^2+XL^2)
XC=V/I
C=1/(2*∏*f*XC)

3. The Attempt at a Solution .
I found P/I^2=R--> 18W/.4A^2=112.5ohms.
Then I found XL=V/I-->170V/.4A=425ohms.
Where did the 170V come from?

If the supply voltage is E = 180V, then you would expect the magnitude of the current to be given by:
$$ |I| = \frac{E}{\sqrt{R^2 + XL^2}} $$
Go from there.
I am also still confused as to what happens when I add the capacitor.
The capacitor reactance acts to cancel the inductive reactance (bringing the power factor towards unity). How do reactances XL and XC combine arithmetically?
 


Thank you. I finally got this one, I think. Z=sqrt(R^2+(XL-XC)^2) correct?
 


Squeeky21 said:
Thank you. I finally got this one, I think. Z=sqrt(R^2+(XL-XC)^2) correct?

Yup. Carry on :smile:
 

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