RLC circuit resistance, inductance and capacitance

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of a series RLC circuit connected to a 100-V 60-Hz source, focusing on calculating resistance, inductance, and capacitance. Participants explore concepts related to power factor, voltage and current relationships, and phasor diagrams, with an emphasis on theoretical understanding and practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the power factor for inductive circuits is typically lagging, while for capacitive circuits it is leading.
  • There is a discussion about the reference direction in series circuits, with some asserting that current is taken as the reference, leading to voltage leading current in inductive circuits and lagging in capacitive circuits.
  • Others argue that voltage is generally the reference point, suggesting that current lags voltage in inductive circuits and leads in capacitive circuits.
  • One participant mentions that in textbooks, the current phasor is drawn at 0 degrees, with voltage phasors drawn vertically for inductors and capacitors, emphasizing the importance of clearly defining reference phasors.
  • Another participant introduces a mnemonic (CIVIL) to remember the relationships between current and voltage in capacitive and inductive circuits.
  • Some express frustration with the complexity of the topic and suggest that it may warrant a dedicated section for better understanding.
  • A participant recommends HyperPhysics as a reliable reference for guidance on these concepts, claiming it is superior to Wikipedia.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reference direction for voltage and current in RLC circuits, with no clear consensus reached. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best way to articulate leading and lagging relationships in these circuits.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of defining reference points when discussing phasors, and there are indications of varying educational backgrounds influencing perspectives on the topic.

jeffrich
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A series RLC circuit connected to a 100-V 60-Hz source draws a current of 2.5 A. The
measured power factor for the circuit is 0.7 leading, and the inductive reactive power is
300VAr. Calculate the resistance, inductance and capacitance of the circuit and show the
corresponding impedance diagram.
 
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jeffrich said:
A series RLC circuit connected to a 100-V 60-Hz source draws a current of 2.5 A. The
measured power factor for the circuit is 0.7 leading, and the inductive reactive power is
300VAr. Calculate the resistance, inductance and capacitance of the circuit and show the
corresponding impedance diagram.

Cool problem, but we can't answer you unless you show some effort or work. Also, this looks like it belongs in the homework section...

Also, the power factor for inductive ciruits are lagging! PF's for capacitive circuits are leading!
 
In a series circuit don't we take the current to be the reference direction.
This means that Voltage leads the current in an inductive circuit and voltage lags the current in a capacitative circuit.
I think this is correct !
 
truesearch said:
In a series circuit don't we take the current to be the reference direction.
This means that Voltage leads the current in an inductive circuit and voltage lags the current in a capacitative circuit.
I think this is correct !

Almost...but voltage is always your reference point because it's generally set. And the reference point for the voltage is set at zero degrees.

So in inductive circuits...we say that current lags the voltage.

In capacitive circuits...we say that current leads the voltage.

And I would show you the math but I'm getting tired of explaining caps and inductors.

Perhaps a section should be dedicated to this obviously gigantic topic that most people understandably struggle with.
 
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In all of my textbooks for SERIES RLC circuits the current phasor is drawn at 0 degrees (horizontal) because the current is the same through each component. The voltage phasors are then drawn vertical(+) for inductor and vertcal(-) for capacitor and horizontal for resistor.
In a way it does not matter what you say when you use leading and lagging as long as you make clear the reference phasor. V leading I means exactly the same as I lagging V.
It makes sense to use leading for inducatance and lagging for capacitance when referring to voltage because this matches DC behaviour when a switch is closed.
In my teaching the exam board even suggest a mnemomic to remember CIVIL...I is behind V for a capacitor and V is ahead of I for an inductor.
 
truesearch said:
In all of my textbooks for SERIES RLC circuits the current phasor is drawn at 0 degrees (horizontal) because the current is the same through each component. The voltage phasors are then drawn vertical(+) for inductor and vertcal(-) for capacitor and horizontal for resistor.
In a way it does not matter what you say when you use leading and lagging as long as you make clear the reference phasor. V leading I means exactly the same as I lagging V.
It makes sense to use leading for inducatance and lagging for capacitance when referring to voltage because this matches DC behaviour when a switch is closed.
In my teaching the exam board even suggest a mnemomic to remember CIVIL...I is behind V for a capacitor and V is ahead of I for an inductor.

I see what you are saying...

But since the voltage is set in a circuit...and the current and the resistances are the variables...Voltage is generally the set point.

Also, in general conversations with engineers and PHD's...it is generally put the way I put it.

But...perhaps you are from overseas or something...I'm in USA. Oh...and I see you are a physics major...that's probably the difference in our opinions.

You are not wrong in what you are saying, I've just never heard it put that way before.
 
worth looking at HyperPhysics (Georgia state university) for guidance in this area
Infinetly better than Wiki and used as an excellent reference source for physicists. I use it all the time.
 
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