Is Magnitude in Polar Form Always Representative of Peak Voltage?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that in the context of AC circuits, a voltage source expressed in polar form, such as (10∠0°), represents the peak voltage (Vpk), while a voltage given solely as a magnitude typically indicates the root mean square voltage (Vrms). It is emphasized that when only a magnitude is provided, it is often assumed that the phase angle is 0°. The distinction between Vpk and Vrms is crucial, and textbooks usually specify when a value is RMS. Understanding these conventions is essential for accurate interpretation in electrical engineering.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of AC circuit analysis
  • Familiarity with voltage types: Vpk and Vrms
  • Knowledge of polar form representation in electrical engineering
  • Basic concepts of phase angle in sinusoidal signals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the differences between peak voltage (Vpk) and root mean square voltage (Vrms)
  • Learn about the representation of AC signals in polar form
  • Explore conventions for voltage representation in various electrical engineering textbooks
  • Investigate the implications of phase angles in steady-state AC circuits
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Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and professionals working with AC circuit analysis who need to understand voltage representations and their implications in circuit behavior.

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Homework Statement



I am confused. My thinking was if a voltage source is given in polar form with the magnitude and angle eg. (10 L0o)then it is Vpk and if only magnitude is given then it is Vrms. Is it right. I am really confused.

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The Attempt at a Solution



I know what Vpk and what Vrms mean.
 
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The way I was taught was that in the frequency domain representation, A∠φ, A is the magnitude of peak value, like you said, and φ is the phase angle or phase shift.

If you're dealing with steady-state AC circuits and only a magnitude is given, I would think that it would just mean that the phase angle is 0. It may also be written with only a magnitude when dealing with DC circuits. In the books I've used at least, whenever an RMS value was given, it was explicitly stated that it was an RMS value. It may just depend on the conventions used in your particular book. Sorry I don't have a definite answer, but I hope that helps point you in the right direction.
 

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