Calculating Peak-to-Peak Voltage from RMS Measurement for Scientists

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the peak-to-peak voltage from a given RMS measurement of 2V RMS for a sinusoidal signal. The correct approach involves recognizing that for a sine wave, the relationship between RMS and peak voltage is defined by the equation: RMS = Peak / √2. Consequently, the peak voltage is approximately 2.83V, leading to a peak-to-peak voltage of 5.66V. Participants clarified that RMS values do not directly equate to peak or peak-to-peak values without additional context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RMS (Root Mean Square) voltage calculations
  • Familiarity with sinusoidal waveforms and their properties
  • Knowledge of the relationship between peak voltage and RMS voltage
  • Basic mathematical skills for performing voltage conversions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of RMS voltage from peak voltage for sinusoidal signals
  • Learn about the implications of RMS measurements in AC circuit analysis
  • Explore the differences between RMS, peak, and peak-to-peak voltage in various signal types
  • Investigate the use of oscilloscopes for measuring peak-to-peak voltage directly
USEFUL FOR

Scientists, electrical engineers, and students studying AC circuit theory who need to accurately calculate and interpret voltage measurements in sinusoidal signals.

luigihs
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A multimeter is used to measure a sinusoidal signal and reads 2V RMS; what is the peak-to-peak voltage of the signal? A mark will be deducted if you do not quote your answer to 2 significant figures.


This is my guess I am not really sure, there is not enough details I don't know how to get peak-topeak voltage of the signal


2 x 2 = 4
 
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volts rms are = to .707 of peak; so 1/.707 x 2 will give you peak. ptp is twice that.
 
So.. 1.414 x 2 = 2.83 V? am I right?
 
problem did not state whether 2vrms was peak or peak to peak. if peak, 1.414, if ptp
then 2.8
 
Ok .. but if I have instead of 2V RMS is 4 RMS I just change the 1.414 x 4 right?
 
Luigi, for a sine wave, .707 times peak = rms (peak); .707 times ptp = rms (ptp)
the question says volts = 2v rms but doesn't spec peak or ptp. is 2vrms peak or ptp?
we don't know. 2 answers.
 
rjnoonan said:
Luigi, for a sine wave, .707 times peak = rms (peak); .707 times ptp = rms (ptp)
the question says volts = 2v rms but doesn't spec peak or ptp. is 2vrms peak or ptp?
we don't know. 2 answers.

It doesn't say in the problem... only says that I have to find the peak-to-peak voltage of the signal
 
since he is spec'ing a sine wave go ahead and assume we are looking at the full sinusoidal wave and using peak to peak. so answer will be 1.414 times 2vrms for
peak to peak voltage.
 
Ok thanks :)
 
  • #10
rjnoonan said:
Luigi, for a sine wave, .707 times peak = rms (peak); .707 times ptp = rms (ptp)
the question says volts = 2v rms but doesn't spec peak or ptp. is 2vrms peak or ptp?
we don't know. 2 answers.

There is no such thing as peak-RMS or peak-to-peak RMS. The RMS value is a quadratic mean and thus all negative signal values are treated as positive signal values.

If RMS is 2Vrms, then the peak-to-peak voltage is 2.82V.
 
  • #11
SunnyBoyNY said:
There is no such thing as peak-RMS or peak-to-peak RMS. The RMS value is a quadratic mean and thus all negative signal values are treated as positive signal values.

If RMS is 2Vrms, then the peak-to-peak voltage is 2.82V.

No, that would be the peak voltage. Peak-to-peak is twice the peak.
 
  • #12
gneill said:
No, that would be the peak voltage. Peak-to-peak is twice the peak.

Agreed. Peak voltage is 2.82V and peak-to-peak voltage is 2*2.82V. My mistake.
 

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