How Do You Calculate Instantaneous Power in Electric Circuits?

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To calculate instantaneous power in electric circuits, the key formula is P = dW/dt or P = VI. The discussion highlights confusion around finding the correct values of time to apply in calculations, particularly for part c of a homework problem. A suggestion is made to derive a power flow formula as a function of time and find its maximum. Additionally, a simpler method using P = VI is recommended for clarity, separating constant and variable components. The conversation concludes with a suggestion to graph the function for easier identification of maximum power.
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Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/7201/electriccircuits113.png

Homework Equations



p = dW/dt; p = vi; W = Integral (p(t)) dt

The Attempt at a Solution



I think for the most part I got parts a and b correct. What I'm having significant trouble with is part c. The answer in the back of the book is 42.678 W. I believe I have to find power first, then find the energy from integrating that power and lastly take the derivative with respect to time in order to find the instantaneous power. The only thing is, what values of t are even present to plug in at the end to find the answer to part c? I'm getting confused on this one, badly.
 
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Hi VitaX! :smile:
VitaX said:
… what values of t are even present to plug in at the end to find the answer to part c?

You should get a formula for power flow, as a function of t …

then just find the maximum. :wink:

But if you're still having difficulty, show us your full calculations so far :smile:
 
Well I'm looking at this http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/powerac.html

Instantaneous Power = Vm*Im*Cos(theta)*Sin^2(wt) - Vm*Im*Sin(theta)*Sin(wt)*Cos(wt)

I know to find t I would have to plug in my values and then proceed to take the derivative and set equation equal to zero, but I'm having a lot of difficulty even attempting to take the derivative of this equation. Isn't there a way to simply this down somewhat for ease of use?

Edit: Nevermind with part C, I believe the teacher just wanted us to find the max using a graphing method.
 
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Hi VitaX! :smile:

(just got up :zzz: …)
VitaX said:
Edit: Nevermind with part C, I believe the teacher just wanted us to find the max using a graphing method.

For future reference, it would have been easier just to use P = VI and the original formulas,

V = 10sin(2π103t), I = 10sin(2π103t - 45°) = (10/√2)(sin(2π103t) - cos(2π103t)) :wink:

Also that formula for P from hyperphysics isn't very informative …

an easier formula (from the PF Library on https://www.physicsforums.com/library.php?do=view_item&itemid=303") is

P = VI =\ V_{max}I_{max}\cos(\omega t + \phi/2)\cos(\omega t - \phi/2)
=\ V_{max}I_{max}(\cos\phi + \cos2\omega t)/2​
(because 2cosAcosB = cos(A-B) + cos(A+B)))
=\ V_{rms}I_{rms}(\cos\phi + \cos2\omega t)​

which clearly separates the constant part and the variable part :smile:
 
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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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