LC circuit with variable capacitor

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing an LC circuit with a variable capacitor, specifically addressing a scenario where the capacitor is adjusted from 300pF to 284pF at a frequency of 1MHz. The current drops to 0.707 of its maximum value, prompting the need to calculate the inductance and resistance of the inductor, as well as the Q factor. The derived formula for the Q factor is Q = infinity, with the inductance calculated using L = (√2/wC1 - 1/wC2)/w(√2-1) H, where C1 and C2 represent the capacitance values. The discussion also highlights the importance of specifying the phase of the current for accurate analysis.

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Homework Statement


A constant voltage at a frequency of 1MHz is maintained across a circuit consisting of an inductor in series with a variable capacitor. When the capacitor is reduced from 300pF to 284pF, the current is 0.707 of its maximum value. Find
(i) the inductance and the resistance of the inductor, and
(ii) the Q factor of the inductor at 1MHz. Sketch the phasor diagram for each condition.

Homework Equations


[tex]\omega=\frac{1}{\sqrt{LC}} //<br /> v_L=L\frac{di}{dt} //<br /> v_C=\frac{q}{C}[/tex]
Probably a load of other formulae as well.


The Attempt at a Solution



Using Kirchoff, get [tex]L\frac{di}{dt} + \frac{q}{300*10^{-12}}=0[/tex] for the first case and [tex]0.707L\frac{di}{dt}+\frac{0.707it}{284*10^{-12}}=0[/tex] for the second.
Equating the two, I'm still left with i and t and a feeling that I'm barking up the wrong tree.
Any help would be appreciated - it's ages since I've done these type of questions.
Thanks.
 
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Do you take into account the voltage generated by the resistance of the inductor?
 
Last edited:
Unfortunately, this problem as stated gives insufficient info.

As a matter of fact, one solution is Q = infinity, L = (√2/wC1 - 1/wC2)/w(√2-1) H

where C1 = 300 pF, C2 = 284pF, R = 0 and w = 2pi*1 MHz.

As Spinnor indicates, the same conditions can obtain when R (and therefore Q) are finite. What has to be specified in addition to the above is the phase of the current i0/√2. I happen to have picked 180 deg. I suppose one could object that I went from 0 to 180 which is -0.707i0 but remember if the detuning is to be ascribed to a finite Q, i0/√2 is not in phase with i0 either ... out 45 deg in fact.
 

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