Find the Equivalent Impedance of the Network

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the equivalent impedance of a network involving resistors (R), inductors (L), and capacitors (C) at a frequency of 440 Hz. Participants clarify the definitions of series and parallel connections, emphasizing that R and L are in parallel as they share the same voltage. The final equivalent impedance calculation is presented as Zeq = 4540 + 1370j Ω, contrasting with an incorrect textbook answer of 1157 - 419j Ω. The importance of understanding series-parallel conversion formulas and the use of complex impedance values is highlighted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex impedance and its representation (Z = R + jX)
  • Knowledge of series and parallel circuit configurations
  • Familiarity with reactance calculations for inductors and capacitors
  • Basic grasp of AC circuit analysis at a specified frequency (440 Hz)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study series and parallel impedance conversion formulas
  • Learn how to calculate reactance for inductors and capacitors at different frequencies
  • Explore complex impedance substitution techniques in circuit analysis
  • Review resources on AC circuit theory and practical applications
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Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone involved in AC circuit analysis and impedance calculations.

rtareen
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TL;DR
Problem is from Faissler's Intro to Modern Electronics Chapter 8. We are asked to find the equivalent impedance of the network. Nothing is in series or parallel so I don't know what to do.
Network.jpg


We are asked to find the equivalent impedance of the network. Nothing is in series or parallel so I don't know what to do. We cannot use mesh equations or Thevenin's theorem because is no current or voltage source. So I have no clue.
 
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I believe the issue here is not this particular circuit, but that you've haven't quite understood what "in parallel" and "in series" means.

What is the definition of two elements being connected in parallel?
In series?
 
f95toli said:
I believe the issue here is not this particular circuit, but that you've haven't quite understood what "in parallel" and "in series" means.

What is the definition of two elements being connected in parallel?
In series?

I know in series means if a current flows through the first component, that entire current must flow through the second. Parallel is a little vague. I think they have the same voltage across them they are in parallel. But since there is no voltage source here that definition would lead to all three being in parallel. I don't know any general definition that always works. Can you teach me the definition?
 
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It does depend on frequency of course. Is a frequency specified?
 
tech99 said:
It does depend on frequency of course. Is a frequency specified?
Yes 440 Hz
 
There are formulas for converting series combinations to parallel and vice versa. You need to apply this to R and L to obtain the series equivalent, then the combination is in series with C. The two series reactances can then be combined into one by addition.
 
tech99 said:
There are formulas for converting series combinations to parallel and vice versa. You need to apply this to R and L to obtain the series equivalent, then the combination is in series with C. The two series reactances can then be combined into one by addition.
I know the formulas, but I don't know how to tell that R and L are in series?
 
L and R are in parallel. First of all, find the reactance of L at 440Hz. Then do the conversion to of L and R in parallel to series elements. Then ask again about the next step!
 
tech99 said:
L and R are in parallel. First of all, find the reactance of L at 440Hz. Then do the conversion to of L and R in parallel to series elements. Then ask again about the next step!
How do you know that they are in parallel?
 
  • #10
R and L have both their ends connected together, they share the same voltage.
 
  • #11
tech99 said:
R and L have both their ends connected together, they share the same voltage.
Yes but doesn't having a capacitor or even an input/output wire in between disrupt that? I deleted my work it was completely off
 
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  • #12
Once you are comfortable understanding series and parallel resistance equivalents. Look at this video about how to use the substitution for series and/or parallel resistors to simplify more complex combinations of impedances. It's the same process with inductors and capacitors. Initially just call everything "Z" (Z1, Z2, Z3, etc.), some complex impedance value, and treat it like it's a resistor. After you have solved the circuit (or part of it, if you like), then you can substitute the complex value for each "Z"; like ## Z=\frac{1}{jωC} ## for a capacitor, etc.
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/circuits-topic/circuits-resistance/v/circuits-part-4
 
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  • #13
rtareen said:
Yes but doesn't having a capacitor or even an input/output wire in between disrupt that? Anyways here is my work so far.

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/281897
This looks in the right ballpark, which I roughly estimated as 5000 + j5000. But resistance should not be negative. The next move is to connect this in series with the capacitor. So next find the reactance of the capacitor at 440Hz.
 
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  • #14
DaveE said:
Once you are comfortable understanding series and parallel resistance equivalents. Look at this video about how to use the substitution for series and/or parallel resistors to simplify more complex combinations of impedances. It's the same process with inductors and capacitors. Initially just call everything "Z" (Z1, Z2, Z3, etc.), some complex impedance value, and treat it like it's a resistor. After you have solved the circuit (or part of it, if you like), then you can substitute the complex value for each "Z"; like ## Z=\frac{1}{jωC} ## for a capacitor, etc.
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/circuits-topic/circuits-resistance/v/circuits-part-4
Unfortunately, the parallel combination involves conversion to admittances, adding admittances and then converting back to impedances, which is a complication for the OP. That is why I suggested just using the series-parallel conversion formulas.
 
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  • #15
tech99 said:
Unfortunately, the parallel combination involves conversion to admittances, adding admittances and then converting back to impedances, which is a complication for the OP. That is why I suggested just using the series-parallel conversion formulas.
Thanks. I'll use what I got but flip the sign of the real part. So ##Z_{RL} = 4540 + 4990j##. Then we compute the capacitors impedance ##Z_C = -j(1/(wC) = -j (\frac{1}{2\pi (440)(10^{-7}}) = -3620j##. Then we use

##Z_{eq} = Z_{RL} + Z_{C} = 4540 + (4990 -3620)j = 4540 + 1370j~\Omega##

However the book, which I don't trust, said the answer is 1157 -419j ohms. This book is full of mistakes though. I've already caught three. What do you think?
 
  • #16
rtareen said:
Thanks. I'll use what I got but flip the sign of the real part. So ##Z_{RL} = 4540 + 4990j##. Then we compute the capacitors impedance ##Z_C = -j(1/(wC) = -j (\frac{1}{2\pi (440)(10^{-7}}) = -3620j##. Then we use

##Z_{eq} = Z_{RL} + Z_{C} = 4540 + (4990 -3620)j = 4540 + 1370j~\Omega##

However the book, which I don't trust, said the answer is 1157 -419j ohms. This book is full of mistakes though. I've already caught three. What do you think?
I like your answer better. I found 4542.5 - 1361.9j

Good work!

Edit: Oops typo: it's 4542.5 + 1361.9j
 
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  • #17
DaveE said:
I like your answer better. I found 4542.5 - 1361.9j

Good work!
Woohoo !
 
  • #18
Maybe it's time for a different book?
 
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  • #19
DaveE said:
Maybe it's time for a different book?
I'm only using this book because its supposedly used in this electronics class at my university. If you have any recommendations I wouldn't mind checking out some others.
 

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