How Do You Calculate Complex Impedance in AC Circuits?

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The discussion centers on calculating complex impedance in AC circuits, specifically for a circuit involving a resistor, capacitor, and inductor. The user expresses confusion over the correct formula for complex impedance and receives clarification that their second equation is accurate. They also mention the need to be cautious with the imaginary components when determining the impedance of the parallel network. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between complex impedance and phase calculations. Overall, the user is seeking guidance to catch up on AC circuit concepts after transferring from a simpler DC circuit background.
scorpius1782
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The circuit and questions are attached.

Homework Statement


First: Calculate the complex impedance of the circuit.
Second:Limiting cases
Third:Imax
Lastly: Phase

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I've never had any ac circuits and the DC circuits I did before transferring were extremely simple and more than a couple years ago. So, I'm lost.

I asked a friend for help and he indicated that the initial equation should look something like:

##Z=(\frac{1}{R} -\frac{1}{wCi})^{-1}+iwL##

If this is correct then I believe I have a,b,c covered. Can someone comment to let me know?

Once I have that squared away then for part D am I understanding it correctly that they want that I do this with the real equation instead of the complex one?
 

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I've tried figuring this out myself and I get a different impedance than my friend.

##Z=(\frac{1}{R} +\frac{1}{X_C})^{-1}+X_L##
So for the complex impedance I got:
##Z=(\frac{1}{R} +wCi)^{-1}+iwL##

This is where I'm stuck. I'm just not sure which (if either) is correct! If mine is correct I have a lot of algebra to do in order to get it to the form they want.
 
You have a resistor in parallel with a capacitor. The node connecting these two is in series with the inductor.

Z_{total} = Z_{C}||Z_R + Z_L

You have to be careful when determining the impedance of the parallel network due to the imaginary number associated with the capacitor.
 
I've calculated impedance using the first equation I was told was correct and now the one I've come up with. I don't understand what you're trying to tell me though. Like I said, I've done only RC circuits and years ago so I'm entirely lost with this.
 
scorpius1782 said:
I've tried figuring this out myself and I get a different impedance than my friend.

##Z=(\frac{1}{R} +\frac{1}{X_C})^{-1}+X_L##
So for the complex impedance I got:
##Z=(\frac{1}{R} +wCi)^{-1}+iwL##

This is where I'm stuck. I'm just not sure which (if either) is correct! If mine is correct I have a lot of algebra to do in order to get it to the form they want.

The bottom one is correct.
 
Thank goodness! Glad I didn't waste my time redoing it. I thought the first one looked fishy. I separated the equation so that its in the format they asked for. It's messy but wolfram got the same:

##Z=\frac{1}{C^2Rw^2+\frac{1}{R}}+i(Lw-\frac{Cw}{C^2w^2+\frac{1}{R^2}}) ##

You asked in the other thread setting up the complex impedance for figuring out the phase. I do not know what the relationship is between the two.

Thank you for your help. Wish I could have started school here instead of transferring. I'm behind in every class it seems.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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