Harmonic average and electromagnetism

AI Thread Summary
The harmonic average is used in electrical engineering for calculating associations of components like parallel resistors and series capacitors due to its mathematical properties. It effectively represents the relationship between conductance and resistance, where the total conductance is the sum of individual conductances. This approach is necessary because it accounts for the inverses of resistance values, leading to the harmonic average being the appropriate measure. The discussion emphasizes that when combining multiple resistors in parallel, the total resistance is actually n times less than the harmonic average, where n is the number of resistors. Understanding this concept is crucial for accurate calculations in electromagnetism and circuit design.
Taturana
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We know that a lot of electrical components associations are calculated using the harmonic average.

If we have parallel resistors we use the harmonic average. If we have serial capacitors we use the harmonic average too and so on...

But my question is: why the harmonic average? what does the harmonic average represents? why not any other type of average?

Could someone explain me that?

Thank you
 
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If you have resistors you see that you simply add the conductance because you have two paths for the current, that is 1 divided by the resistance. Whenever you have to add the inverses of a quantity this behavior leads to the harmonic average.
 
Actually, we don't have the harmonic average. We have n times less than the harmonic average, where n is the number of resistors in parallel.
 
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