RC circuit analysis using phasors

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing a simple RC circuit using phasors, specifically with a voltage source described by V_s(t) = 25cos(2000πt - 30°). The user attempts to derive the voltage across the capacitor, v_c(t), but encounters discrepancies between their calculated results and the textbook answer, V_c(t) = 15.57cos(2000πt - 81.5°). Key equations include the conversion of time-domain signals to phasor form and the use of impedance to analyze the circuit. The correct approach involves expressing the circuit's impedances and applying Ohm's law in the phasor domain.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RC circuit fundamentals
  • Familiarity with phasor representation of sinusoidal signals
  • Knowledge of complex impedance calculations
  • Ability to manipulate complex numbers in electrical engineering contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of impedance in AC circuits, focusing on Z_r = R and Z_c = -1/(jωC)
  • Learn how to convert time-domain signals to phasor form and vice versa
  • Explore the application of Ohm's law in the phasor domain to find current and voltage
  • Practice solving similar RC circuit problems using the techniques discussed
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone involved in analyzing AC circuits using phasors will benefit from this discussion.

VinnyCee
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Homework Statement



I can't post pictures as I do normally, so you'll have to deal with the cumbersome attachment method! It's just a simple RC circuit. Resistor on top, capacitor on right side with the sinusoidally varying voltage source on the left.

V_s(t)\,=\,25\,cos\left(2000\,\pi\,t\,-\,30^{\circ}\right)

Obtain an expression for v_c(t), the voltage across the capacitor.

NOTE: Picture of circuit is attached.



Homework Equations



A\,cos\left(\omega\,t\,+\,\phi_0\right)\,\,\longrightarrow\,\,A\,e^{j\,\phi_0}

j\,=\,e^{j\,\frac{\pi}{2}}

Various equations and conversions from the text, Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics (Ulaby, 5 ed.) PROBLEM 1.21



The Attempt at a Solution



I obtained the voltage equation for the RC circuit as:

R\,i(t)\,+\,\frac{1}{C}\,\int\,i(t)\,dt\,=\,v_s\,(t)

Now, I convert to phasor form:

R\,\tilde{I}\,+\,\frac{1}{C}\,\left(\frac{1}{j\,\omega}\,\tilde{I}\right)\,=\,V_s

The book gives a conversion to get the phasor expression for the current:

\tilde{I}\,=\,V_0\,e^{j\,\left(\phi_0\right)}\,\frac{j\,\omega\,C}{j\,\omega\,C\,R\,+\,1}

I apply this formula, given for the RC circuit by the text, and I get this:

\tilde{I}\,=\,25\,e^{-j\,30^\circ}\,\frac{j\,\left(2000\,\pi\right)\,\left(200\,X\,10^{-12}\right)}{j\,\left(2000\,\pi\right)\,\left(200\,X\,10^{-12}\right)\,left(1\,X\,10^6\right)\,+\,1}

\tilde{I}\,=\,25\,e^{-j\,30^\circ}\,\frac{j\,4\,X\,10^{-7}\,\pi}{j\,0.4\,+\,1}

Then, after doing some manipulation of the complex number:

\tilde{I}\,=\,0.0000229\,+\,j\,0.0000180\,=\,2.29\,X\,10^{-5}\,+\,j\,1.8\,X\,10^{-5}

I know that this is probably not correct, but I went ahead and used it in the subsequent equation (also given in the text) to find the capacitor voltage phasor:

\tilde{V_c}\,=\,\frac{\tilde{I}}{j\,\omega\,C}

After some plug & chug…

\tilde{V_c}\,=\,14.3\,-\,j\,18.2

This is NOT the answer given in the text! I know I didn't convert back from phasor form, but still... The correct answer is:

V_c(t)\,=\,15.57\,cos\left(2000\,\pi\,t\,-\,81.5^{\circ}\right)

Where did I go wrong? Can anyone get me started on the right track here?
 

Attachments

  • Problem1_21.jpg
    Problem1_21.jpg
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Last edited:
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Any ideas? This problem has been bothering me for a week or so :)
 
What you want to do is express everything in impedance (Z).

Since Vs is in cosine form ... phasor of it would be 25{-30 or 25cos30 - jsin30 (if { means phasor)

Then you want Z of c and r in the circuit.. given by the equations..
Zr = R and Zc= -1/(jwc)

Since impedances are expression with units of resistance and you have a series circuit just get Zeq by summing the Zl and Zr. Then to change to phasors... Zeq = R + -1/(jwc) = some form with real and imaginary => change that to phasor...

then to get I(t) which is the same for C and R, you have I(t)=V/Zeq which gives another phasor expression..

finally, to get Vc(t) you just use I(t)Zc
 

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