Finding the phase angle of current through a capacitor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the phase angle of the current through a capacitor given a specific voltage input. Participants explore the relationship between current and voltage phase angles in the context of AC circuits, focusing on the mathematical conversion between sine and cosine forms.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the current using the formula i = C dv/dt and arrives at a phase angle of 150 degrees, expressing confusion about the correct phase angle being 60 degrees.
  • Another participant suggests converting the current equation to cosine form using trigonometric identities, questioning whether this conversion is always necessary.
  • A participant notes that converting to cosine changes the phase angle from 150 to 240 degrees, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the conversion process.
  • Several participants emphasize that current and voltage must be expressed in the same trigonometric form (sine or cosine) to accurately discuss the phase angle.
  • One participant points out a mistake in the conversion process and clarifies the relationship between sine and cosine functions, specifically referencing the identity sin(x) = cos(x - 90).
  • Another participant confirms the correct conversion and states that the phase angle is 60 degrees, while also noting that the phase difference between voltage and current is typically 90 degrees in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of converting between sine and cosine forms and the implications of such conversions on the phase angle. There is no consensus on the correct approach to determining the phase angle, as confusion remains regarding the conversions and their effects.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific mathematical identities and relationships between sine and cosine functions, indicating a reliance on these definitions for their calculations. The discussion highlights potential misunderstandings in the conversion process and the interpretation of phase angles.

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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