Does an LC Circuit Radiate Energy?

In summary, an LC circuit is used in most radio transmitters and receivers, with the aerial acting as the capacitor designed to lose energy and produce radio waves. While traditional studies assume minimal losses, real circuits will have resistance and always radiate, even without an antenna.
  • #1
paweld
255
0
I wonder if LC curcit radiates energy? Probalby not because according
to equations energy is not lost during its vibration. But I heard it was used
in very simpe radio receivers. Is it true.
 
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  • #2
An LC circuit is the basis of most radio transmitters and receivers. Simple and otherwise.

Essentially, the aerial of a radio is the capacitor in an LC circuit specially designed so that it loses energy producing radio waves.

In the usual physics and electronics studies of reactive and resonant circuits, the parts are assumed to be designed to avoid losses.
 
  • #3
Thanks.

AJ Bentley said:
Essentially, the aerial of a radio is the capacitor in an LC circuit specially designed so that it loses energy producing radio waves.
Do you know any details about construction of such capacitors (probably they generate
electric field outside the area between plates and this induce magnetic field and so on).
 
  • #4
paweld said:
Do you know any details about construction of such capacitors

Go take a look on the roof of any house in your neighbourhood. Almost every house has a TV aerial. :smile:
 
  • #5
Interesting :)
 
  • #6
Keep in mind, also, that any real circuit will have resistance as well. You can usually account for losses to radiation by factoring them into effective resistance.
 
  • #7
Also, the difference between LC circuits on paper and in real life is that the paper circuit is assumed to be of zero physical size so that capacitors have no inductance and inductors have no capacitance. Real LC circuits will always radiate even without antennas.
 

Related to Does an LC Circuit Radiate Energy?

1. What is an LC circuit?

An LC circuit is a type of electrical circuit that consists of an inductor (L) and a capacitor (C) connected in series or parallel. It is also known as a resonant circuit because it can store electrical energy and oscillate at a specific frequency.

2. How does an LC circuit work?

An LC circuit works by storing energy in the electric or magnetic fields of the inductor and capacitor. When an alternating current is applied, the capacitor charges and discharges, while the inductor resists changes in current. This causes the energy to oscillate back and forth between the inductor and capacitor, creating a resonance effect.

3. What is the resonance frequency of an LC circuit?

The resonance frequency of an LC circuit is determined by the values of the inductance and capacitance. It can be calculated using the formula f = 1/2π√(LC), where f is the frequency in Hertz (Hz), L is the inductance in Henrys (H), and C is the capacitance in Farads (F).

4. What is radiation in an LC circuit?

Radiation in an LC circuit refers to the electromagnetic waves that are produced when the energy in the circuit is released. This can occur when the circuit is abruptly disconnected or when the oscillations become too large for the circuit to handle, causing the energy to be released in the form of radiation.

5. How is an LC circuit used in technology?

LC circuits are used in a variety of technologies, such as radios, televisions, and wireless communication devices. They are also used in electronic filters and power supplies. In addition, they are an essential component in particle accelerators and other scientific equipment for generating and detecting electromagnetic radiation.

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