The discussion revolves around calculating the mean power dissipated in a resistor within an AC circuit context. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the application of concepts related to AC circuits, particularly in relation to averaging current values.
Participants are exploring the mathematical principles behind power calculations in AC circuits. There is a focus on clarifying the distinction between the mean of the squares and the square of the mean, with some guidance provided on the correct approach to determining mean power.
The original poster indicates a lack of prior knowledge in AC circuits, which may affect their understanding of the problem. There is an emphasis on the need to grasp the underlying principles of power calculations in this context.
Oh I see. Thanks. I have to do it this way because power is a scalar, is it? Why can't I square the value of 1.5A instead?TSny said:
It's not because its a scalar quantity, it's because the mean of the square of a quantity is not equal to the square of the mean of the quantity. For example, for the two numbers 2 and 4 the mean of the square of the numbers is (22 + 42)/2 = 10. But the square of the mean of the numbers is 32 = 9.toforfiltum said:
Thanks for the really neat explanation.TSny said: