How Does AC Power Flow Through a Resistor, Inductor, and Capacitor in a Circuit?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an AC circuit comprising a resistor, inductor, and capacitor, with a focus on understanding power flow and calculations related to instantaneous power and phase relationships. The original poster seeks to determine the magnitude of power dissipated in the resistor at a specific time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between voltage, current, and power in AC circuits, including the use of phase angles and impedance. There are attempts to clarify the calculation of instantaneous power and its average over time. The original poster questions the correct value of power at t=0 and seeks clarification on the transient response of the circuit.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the average power calculation and the relationship between voltage and current phase. Others have raised questions about the implications of switching on the power at t=0 and the resulting transient response, indicating a productive exploration of the topic without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific values for resistance, inductance, and capacitive reactance, as well as the nature of the AC voltage source. The discussion also hints at the complexity introduced by the transient response in the circuit when power is applied.

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Homework Statement



A circuit is constructed with an AC generator, a resistor, capacitor, and inductor as shown. The generator voltage varies in time ε=Vb-Vam cos(ωt), where εm = 122.5 V and ω = 10.35 x 106 radians/second. The resistance of the circuit is R= 132.1 Ω. The inductance is L= 10.3 μH. XC = 533.060668709571.

https://www.smartphysics.com/Content/Media/UserData/8bc467c3-3c16-0dc8-ccd8-e71529e22ba1/noah_AC1.png

Homework Equations



$$ X_L = \omega L $$
$$ \tan(\phi) = \frac{X_L - X_C}{R} $$
$$ P(t) = I(t)^2R $$

The Attempt at a Solution



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Because $$ I(t) = \frac{V(t)\cos(\phi}{R}) $$, therefore $$ P(t) = I(t)^2R = \frac{\epsilon_m^2\cos(\omega t)^2\cos(\phi)^2}{R}. $$ Using the second relevant equation to get phi, I should obtain the power at P(0) simply by plugging in values. However, the correct value isn't generated.
 
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When we speak about power in an AC circuit, we mean the time average of the instantaneous power. When you integrate I2R with respect to time for a whole period and divide it by the time period T, you get that Pav=RI0^2/2. (Io/√2 is the rms (root-mean-square) value of the AC current.)


ehild
 
Perhaps I haven't clarified. I need to know the magnitude of the power dissipated in the resistor at t=0.
 
φ=arctan((XL-XC)/R) is the phase of the voltage with respect to the current in the whole circuit. The voltage leads the current by the angle φ or the current lags behind the voltage by φ.
If the voltage is ε(t)=εm cos(ωt), the current is I0cos((ωt-φ).
The amplitude of the voltage and current are related through the magnitude of the impedance Z=\sqrt{(X_L-X_C)^2+R^2}.

εm=ZI0. The instantaneous power is P(t)=I2R.

ehild
 
If, by t=0 one means that the power is switched on at time zero, so that the implied stimulus for the circuit is Emcos(ωt)u(t), then you've got a situation with a transient response since the initially inert circuit will be "hit" with a step of Em volts at that time.

Fortunately, the fact that it's a series circuit with an inductor helps you out in finding the initial current...
 

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