How Does Increasing Frequency Affect Capacitor Voltage in an RC Circuit?

[technician]

I agree completely with you Jim...I am also a 'child of the 60s'.I fully recognise the application and value of complex numbers in physics. But I would still emphasise that they are a mathematical tool, they are not essential and at the level I teach (A level +) a full understanding of the behaviour of AC circuits can be obtained with straight forward geometrical vector diagrams ...the next step to using complex notation is easy but there is not time to go into that in the physics course.
I very much appreciate your comments, not just in this thread but in your excellent posts regarding electronics...I recognise your 60s background in what you write !

 

[meBigGuy]

I recognize your lack of background in what you write. Please read the wikipedia entry on Impedance.

 

[meBigGuy]

a full understanding of the behaviour of AC circuits can be obtained with straight forward geometrical vector diagrams

Yes, that is how one does analysis of complex quantities.

 

[jim hardy]

... a full understanding of the behaviour of AC circuits can be obtained with straight forward geometrical vector diagrams ...the next step to using complex notation is easy but there is not time to go into that in the physics course...

Indeed in only a one or two semester general physics course I see why you don't go into it.

My high school had a 2 hour per day three year almost vo-tech electronics course, but with more math than prior vocational curricula. Our school board was reacting to Sputnik and tried out a few pre-engineering high school courses. So we had plenty of time to learn and drill complex arithmetic. I must say I likely would not have made it through EE school without the practical background from that electronics course. Familiarity with rotating phasor notaion made 3 phase seem natural.

Thanks for the kind words...

Your practical teachings will doubtless influence some kids.

old jim