Complex voltage across a capacitor

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the value of a capacitor given a complex voltage and purely reactive power. The voltage across the capacitor is expressed as 200 + 100j V, while the reactive power is -50000j VA. The calculations lead to a complex value for the capacitor, raising questions about the orthogonality of voltage and current. Participants express confusion over the non-zero phase of the voltage, suggesting potential issues with the problem's assumptions or the definition of the capacitor's characteristics. Clarification from the teacher is recommended to resolve these ambiguities regarding the phase relationships and the nature of the capacitor.
preet
Messages
96
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I'm given the power for a capacitor. I know the voltage across the capacitor has a complex component. How do I find the value of the capacitor?

Power (purely reactive) = -50000j VA
Voltage = 200 + 100j V @ 60 Hz


Homework Equations


Power = (V*V) / Z
Impedance of a capacitor = -j / (2*pi*f*C)



The Attempt at a Solution


(200 + 100j)^2 / Z = -50000j
(30000+40000j) / -50000j = Z
-j / (2*pi*f*C) = (0.8 - 0.6j)
-j / (0.8 - 0.6j) = 2*pi*f*C

C -> complex?


I get a complex component in the value of C
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The voltage and capacitor current are not orthogonal. I think its strange though that the voltage was defined with a non-zero phase... compared to what?? Either that cap has some internal resistance, or there's a mistake in the givens, or you are suppose to assume the stated phase of the applied voltage is a phase from some other unrelated signal (but the cap phase given is NOT relative to that phase!), and therefore normalize the applied voltage to zero phase (which would mean its a bad question, IMO). I wouldn't feel comfortable assuming any of those unless your teacher wants you to notice the cap has internal resistance and has intentionally defined zero-phase as 90 degrees from the current's phase--which is a rather weird thing to do. But then if the teacher specified the cap is "purely reactive" with no real component, yet defined the applied voltage as having a non-zero phase, then its time to ask your teacher what the heck he meant.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
32
Views
2K
Back
Top