Short vs Open Circuit: Is That Correct?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions under which the impedance of a circuit can be considered a short circuit or an open circuit, focusing on the frequency dependencies of inductors and capacitors. Participants explore theoretical implications and mathematical relationships related to impedance in both series and parallel configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that for a short circuit, the equivalent impedance (Req) can be zero, leading to a frequency condition of w = 0.
  • Others argue that for an open circuit, the impedance must be infinite, suggesting w approaches infinity.
  • A participant questions the frequency at which the impedance behaves like an open circuit, noting it must equal infinite.
  • Discussion includes the behavior of capacitors and inductors at specific frequencies, with some suggesting that at ω = 0, the capacitor's impedance is infinite, while at ω → ∞, the inductor's impedance is infinite.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of considering the impedance difference in series versus parallel circuits, highlighting that DC and AC circuits have different summation rules for impedance.
  • Another participant corrects earlier statements about the equations, providing a specific frequency (w = 1/sqrt(LC)) where the impedance is zero in a series circuit.
  • There is a suggestion that the problem may require qualitative answers regarding frequency rather than exact values, noting the lack of specified component values.
  • Participants discuss the mathematical representation of impedance, with some expressing the need to calculate using the reciprocal relationship for open circuits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions for short and open circuits, with no consensus reached on specific frequency values or the implications of the equations presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature of the impedance behavior at various frequencies.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding missing assumptions about component values and tolerances for defining open and short circuits. The mathematical steps and relationships are not fully resolved, leading to uncertainty in the conclusions drawn by participants.

annamal
Messages
393
Reaction score
33
Homework Statement
At what frequency or frequencies is the impedance between a and b equivalent to a short circuit and open circuit in the circuits below?
Relevant Equations
ZL = j*w*L
ZC = -j/(w*C)
Screenshot 2023-04-01 at 9.03.31 PM.png


For the first circuit, Req = ZL + ZC = -j/(w*C) + j*w*L = 0 for short circuit, so w = 0?
For the open circuit case, -j/(w*C) + j*w*L = infinity, so w = infinity?

Is that correct?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
annamal said:
Homework Statement: At what frequency or frequencies is the impedance between a and b equivalent to a short circuit and open circuit in the circuits below?
Relevant Equations: ZL = j*w*L
ZC = -j*w*C

For the open circuit case, -j*w*C + j*w*L = infinity, so w = infinity?
w is the angular frequency.
Z=R+jX; X may be zero, or infinity, but w is not zero.
Resonance occurs at w necessary for XC+XL = 0, in both the parallel and the series cases.
 
Ok, I wrote my equations wrong initially. But I am wondering what frequency is the impedance an open circuit? The impedance would have to equal infinite?
 
Take each of the components individually. What happens to the impedance of a capacitor at ω = 0? What happens at ω → ∞? How about the inductor?
 
You need to look at the impedance difference, of a series or a parallel circuit.
For DC, in one you sum the resistance, in the other you sum the conductance.
For AC you sum the impedance, or the admittance.
 
Annamal,
You need to slow down and do your maths correctly.

For example, let's consider circuit a. The impedance of a series circuit is the sum of the impedances.
So, Z = -j/(wC) + jwL. We set Z=0, do some algebra and get w = 1/sqrt(LC). That'd the frequency where the impedance is zero (a short circuit). When is Z infinite? If w=0, then the impedance of the capacitor is infinite, so that is one answer. If w=infinity, then the impedance of the inductor is infinite, so that is another answer.

You will find that the answers for circuit b are reversed. It looks like a short for w=0 and w=inf., and it looks like an open circuit when w=1/sqrt(LC).

I invite you to graph the impedance as a function of w. It is very instructive.
Regards,
 
annamal said:
Ok, I wrote my equations wrong initially. But I am wondering what frequency is the impedance an open circuit? The impedance would have to equal infinite?
Yes, it would have to be infinite. I think they are expecting a qualitative answer like high, low, or medium, rather than an actual frequency. There is no frequency where a real-world inductor is exactly like an open circuit. Likewise for a capacitor being a short circuit. This problem has not specified values for the inductor, or capacitor, nor a tolerance level for the circuit to be considered open or shorted.
 
In the first case the two reactance are in series and in the second case the are parallel , as you already said. So, as you know, the series is the sum and the parallel it is the division of the product by sum.

For short-circuit the result is 0 and for open has to be infinite. In order to find infinite, you have to consider 1/Z=0 and calculate the ω=2*π*f=x
 
For instance, if Z=j(ω*L-1/ω/Cap) for short-circuit Z=0 and for open circuit 1/Z=0 [Z=∞]
 
  • #10
If ω=0 Z=∞ since 1/0/Cap=∞
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K