Finding the phase angle of current through a capacitor?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the phase angle of current through a capacitor given a voltage input of V(t) = 29cos(377t-30) V and a capacitance of C = 1 microfarad. The correct phase angle for the current is established as 60 degrees after converting the sine function to cosine using trigonometric identities. The confusion arises from the initial calculation yielding a phase angle of 150 degrees, which is corrected through proper conversion techniques. It is emphasized that both current and voltage must be expressed in the same trigonometric form to accurately determine the phase angle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic capacitor equations, specifically i = C dv/dt
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities for converting between sine and cosine
  • Knowledge of phase angles in AC circuits
  • Ability to differentiate functions in the context of electrical engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about AC circuit analysis techniques
  • Study the relationship between voltage and current phase angles in capacitive circuits
  • Explore advanced trigonometric identities and their applications in electrical engineering
  • Investigate the implications of phase differences in power calculations
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone involved in analyzing AC circuits and capacitive behavior will benefit from this discussion.

x86
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Homework Statement


Calculate the current in the capacitor shown in the figure below if the voltage input is V(t) = 29cos(377t-30) V, C = 1 micro Farad

Homework Equations


i = C dv/dt

The Attempt at a Solution



I essentially differntiate V(t) and multiply by 1 * 10^-6. I then get a negative amplitude, so I add 180 degrees to the phase angle to get a positive amplitude,

i = 1*10^-6*29*377 * (-sin(377t - 30) = 0.0109sin(377t + 150)

What is the phase angle? The correct answer is 60 degrees. I'm confused about how to get this. I'm getting 150 degrees.
 
Last edited:
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You should convert the current equation to cosine form using familira trigonometric identities.
 
Delta² said:
You should convert the current equation to cosine form using familira trigonometric identities.

Does it always have to be converted to cosine?

If I convert it to cosine, the phase angle changes from 150 to 240
 
Current and Voltage have to be both in sine or cosine (and with the same sign of amplitude) to be able to discuss about the phase angle.

You ve made a mistake in the conversion, it is sin(x)=cos (x-90)=-cos (x+90).
 
Delta² said:
Current and Voltage have to be both in sine or cosine (and with the same sign of amplitude) to be able to discuss about the phase angle.

You ve made a mistake in the conversion, it is sin(x)=cos (x-90)=-cos (x+90).

I have sin(x+150) in my above equation. I want to convert it to cosine
EDIT: I seem to have some confusion.

IN my book it says cos(x) = sin(x+90) (just as you said).

This means if I want to convert to cosine from sin,

cos(x+60) = sin(x+60+90)
 
You are correct now, so it will be cos (x+60)=sin(x+150), (x=377t), there you got a phase angle of 60, THOUGH when we talk about phase angle we usually mean the phase difference between voltage and current which is 90 in this case.
 
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