How Do You Calculate Complex Impedance in AC Circuits?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating complex impedance in AC circuits, specifically involving resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Participants are exploring the correct formulation of impedance equations and addressing their understanding of AC circuit concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants present different formulations for complex impedance, with some expressing uncertainty about their correctness. Questions arise regarding the proper setup of equations and the implications of using real versus complex forms for calculations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different impedance equations, with some participants confirming the validity of certain approaches while others remain uncertain. Guidance has been offered regarding the structure of the equations, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive method.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express a lack of familiarity with AC circuits compared to their previous experience with DC circuits, which may affect their confidence in solving the problem. There are indications of varying levels of understanding and background knowledge among participants.

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.
 

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