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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating frequency in an AC circuit using the formula f = I/(2π VC). A participant initially calculates a frequency of 5.2 kHz but believes the correct answer should be 5.2 MHz. After reviewing the equations and receiving confirmation from others that their calculations seem correct, they suspect an error in the problem statement or answer key. The confusion arises from the placement of 2π in the equation relating frequency to angular frequency. Ultimately, the participant resolves their misunderstanding and confirms their calculations are now correct.
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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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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