Solve Series RLC Circuit for Capacitor Value

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for the capacitor value in a series RLC circuit with a maximum voltage of 160 V, a frequency of 53 Hz, a 760 Ω resistor, and a 5.7 H inductor. The goal is to achieve a phase difference of 56 degrees between the voltage across the capacitor and the applied voltage. Key equations utilized include the impedance formula Z = R/cos(phi) and the reactance equations X_L = 2πfL and X_C = 1/(2πfC). The correct approach involves adjusting the phase angle phi to account for the lagging nature of the capacitor voltage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series RLC circuit dynamics
  • Familiarity with impedance and phase angle calculations
  • Knowledge of reactance formulas for inductors and capacitors
  • Proficiency in trigonometric functions, specifically atan
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the impedance of a series RLC circuit using Z = R/cos(phi)
  • Explore the relationship between phase angles in RLC circuits
  • Learn how to derive capacitor values from phase angle requirements
  • Investigate the impact of frequency on reactance in RLC circuits
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in circuit design or analysis, particularly those working with RLC circuits and phase relationships.

Idividebyzero
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
1. Consider a series RLC circuit. The applied
voltage has a maximum value of 160 V and
oscillates at a frequency of 53 Hz. The circuit
contains a variable capacitor, a 760 Ω resistor,
and a 5.7 H inductor.
Determine the value of the capacitor such
that the voltage across the capacitor is out of
phase with the applied voltage by 56 degrees.

Answer in units of µF.




2. cos(phi)= R/Z
Z=SQRT(R^2 + (X_L-X_C)^2)
X_L= 2*pi*f*L
X_C=1/2*pi*f*C




3.first solved the equation cos(phi)=R/Z for the impedence Z. Z=R/cos(phi)

then proceeded to use the Z value in the second equation Z=SQRT(R^2 + (X_L-X_C)^2). squared both sides. then squared the given R. Subtracted R to the other side. (Z^2-R^2)= (X_L-X_c)2

square root both sides. then subracted X_l=2*Pi*f*l from the right to the left side. leaves a negative value on the left and the right so that negatives cancel, leaving a numerical value on the left and a X_c=1/2*pi*f*C on the right. inverted the left and the right. then divided the 2*pi*f on both sides. leaving c. the answer was incorrect.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Keep in mind that you're looking for the relative phase of the voltage across the capacitor, not the phase of the current with respect to the voltage. The voltage across the capacitor will lag the current (by how much?).
 
the only thing that i can think of is the angle is wrong... 90-phi ?
 
The angle \phi that you've found is the angle by which the supply voltage leads the current in the circuit. The voltage on the capacitor will lag the current by 90°.

A simpler expression for \phi is
\phi = atan\left(\frac{X_L - X_C}{R}\right)
If you determine what \phi should be given the relationships between the relative angles of the voltage on the capacitor and the current, and the current and the voltage supply, you should be home-free.
 
thanks I've called it a night, going to tackle it again in the morning. assignments not due until friday and I've only got this problem left
 
gneill said:
The angle \phi that you've found is the angle by which the supply voltage leads the current in the circuit. The voltage on the capacitor will lag the current by 90°.

A simpler expression for \phi is
\phi = atan\left(\frac{X_L - X_C}{R}\right)
If you determine what \phi should be given the relationships between the relative angles of the voltage on the capacitor and the current, and the current and the voltage supply, you should be home-free.

This was it except the Phi term is acually 90-phi
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K