How to Determine the voltage polarity of inductor in a circuit?

In summary, the voltage polarity across the inductor and capacitor will be the same when they are connected in parallel, as the voltage across them must be equal. However, when they are connected in series with a resistor, the polarity of the inductor will depend on the direction of current flow, which is determined by the charged capacitor. To accurately analyze the circuit, it is recommended to redraw the diagram with the capacitor on the left, resistor on the right, and inductor on the top, with a reference voltage at the bottom. The sum of the voltages around the circuit must equal zero, with the energy from the capacitor flowing through the inductor to the resistor where it is dissipated as heat.
  • #1
smatik
14
1
The Voltage polarity across the inductor is same as that across the capacitor since both are in parallel and the voltage across them must be same.
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But when Inductor, capacitor and resistor are connected as shown in the second figure what would be the voltage polarity across the inductor and why? (right end of inductor 'r'=+ve or -ve?)
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  • #2
The sum of the voltages around the circuit must be zero.
The battery causes a current to flow, the direction of flow sets the polarity of the components.
 
  • #3
I've indicated The direction of current in second figure(Is it correct?). The current is due to charged capacitor(you can see the charge on the capacitor is Q). So what voltage equation would you write?
 
  • #4
Your circuit diagram is confusing you. Redraw the diagram with the capacitor on the left (with positive terminal up), the resistor on the right and the inductor at the top. The bottom line is a reference voltage.

Energy from the capacitor on the left flows through the inductor to the resistor on the right where it is dissipated as heat.

Measuring around the circuit, VC + VL + VR = 0
 
  • #5


As a scientist, my response to this question would be that the voltage polarity across the inductor in a circuit is determined by the direction of the current flow. When the inductor, capacitor, and resistor are connected in a series, the voltage across the inductor will depend on the direction of the current flow and the relative values of the inductance, capacitance, and resistance. The voltage polarity across the inductor can be determined using Kirchhoff's voltage law, which states that the sum of the voltages around a closed loop in a circuit must equal zero. Therefore, the voltage polarity across the inductor in this circuit will depend on the direction of the current flow and the values of the other components in the circuit. It is not possible to determine the voltage polarity of the inductor without knowing these values.
 

Related to How to Determine the voltage polarity of inductor in a circuit?

1. How do I determine the polarity of an inductor in a circuit?

The polarity of an inductor in a circuit can be determined by using the right-hand rule. This rule states that if you wrap your fingers around the inductor in the direction of the current flow, your thumb will point towards the positive end of the inductor.

2. Can I determine the polarity of an inductor without using the right-hand rule?

Yes, you can also determine the polarity of an inductor by looking at the direction of the current flow in the circuit. If the current is flowing from positive to negative, the positive end of the inductor will be on the same side as the positive terminal of the power source.

3. What if the inductor has multiple windings? How do I determine the polarity then?

In the case of multiple windings, the polarity of each individual winding can be determined using the right-hand rule. Then, the overall polarity of the inductor can be determined by looking at the polarity of the last winding in the circuit.

4. Does the polarity of an inductor affect its performance in a circuit?

Yes, the polarity of an inductor can affect its performance in a circuit. In some circuits, the polarity is crucial for the inductor to function properly. For example, in a DC circuit, the polarity of the inductor must be in the same direction as the current flow for it to store energy.

5. Is there a way to reverse the polarity of an inductor in a circuit?

Yes, the polarity of an inductor can be reversed by either changing the direction of the current flow or physically flipping the inductor in the circuit. However, it is important to note that changing the polarity of an inductor can affect the performance of the circuit and should be done with caution.

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