Frequency in an AC circuit given capacitance, voltage, and current

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the frequency in an AC circuit using given values for capacitance, voltage, and current. Participants are attempting to derive the correct frequency based on their understanding of reactance and Ohm's Law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of formulas for reactance and frequency, with one member expressing confusion over the placement of constants in the equations. There is a consideration of potential errors in the problem statement or answer key.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the correctness of their approaches. Some have found agreement in their results, while others express uncertainty about the expected answers and the implications of their findings.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a discrepancy between calculated results and expected answers, leading to speculation about possible errors in the problem statement or answer key. Participants are encouraged to seek clarification from instructors.

adangerousdriver
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Homework Statement
If the voltage amplitude across an 8.50-nF capacitor is equal to 12.0 V when the current amplitude through it is 3.33 mA, the frequency is closest to:

5.20 MHz
32.6 Hz
5.2 kHz
32.6 kHz
32.6 MHz
Relevant Equations
Capacitor Reactance: Xc = 1/(ωC)
Ohm's Law: V = IXc = I/(ωC)
Frequency: f = 2πω
By combining the formula for the reactance of a capacitor with Ohm's Law for a capacitor, I can solve for angular frequency, and divide by 2π to find frequency.
The resulting equation is:

f = I/(2π VC)

Using the given values, I end up with 5.2 kHz, instead of the correct answer of 5.2 MHz. I cannot find out where I am making a mistake that throws off my order of magnitude.
 
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I agree with your answer of 5.2 kHz.
 
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Likes   Reactions: DaveE and gneill
Hi adangerousdriver,

Your calculations look correct to me. I get the same result for the given information.

Perhaps there's an error in the problem statement or the answer key. I think you should raise the question with your professor or TA?
 
WOW! Ok, what the heck am I doing wrong? I’ve looked this over more than a few times, and it seems completely obvious to me that the 2 pi belongs in the numerator. However, that results in not matching ANY of the answers. I feel like I’m in an algebra twilight zone.
 
Oh, I see. The equation relating frequency to angular frequency is wrong. The 2 pi should be on the other side
 
Cutter Ketch said:
I feel like I’m in an algebra twilight zone.
Oh, I've definitely been there more than a few times! :rolleyes:

It's all good now?
 
gneill said:
Oh, I've definitely been there more than a few times! :rolleyes:

It's all good now?
Yep. Thanks.
 
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Likes   Reactions: gneill

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