Solving a Series Circuit with Resistor, Capacitor and Inductor

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a series circuit comprising a resistor, capacitor, and inductor with a sinusoidal voltage source. The total impedance is calculated as Z = 1 + (4ω - 1/(2ω))i, leading to the steady-state current expression I = V_0 / √(1 + (4ω - 1/(2ω))²) sin(ωt - tan⁻¹(4ω - 1/(2ω))). The phase shifts introduced by the capacitor and inductor are clarified, emphasizing that the total phase is zero only when their impedances are equal. The importance of calculating individual impedances and using phasor diagrams for accurate analysis is highlighted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of AC circuit analysis
  • Familiarity with complex impedance and phasors
  • Knowledge of Ohm's Law in AC circuits
  • Ability to compute phase angles using trigonometric functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to compute individual impedances for resistors, capacitors, and inductors in AC circuits
  • Study phasor diagrams and their application in circuit analysis
  • Explore the concept of resonance in RLC circuits
  • Investigate the effects of varying frequency on impedance and current in series circuits
USEFUL FOR

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

Pacopag
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Homework Statement


Consider a circuit consisting of a voltage source with V = V_0 \sin{\omega t}, a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor, all connected in series. The problem is to find the steady state current as a function of omega.


Homework Equations


V = IZ
Z = Z_R + Z_C + Z_L
Take
Z_R = 1 \Omega
Z_C = -i2 Fd
Z_L = +i4 H

The Attempt at a Solution


I find the total impedance to be
Z = 1+2i.
So I'm guessing that the maximum amplitude of the current will be V_0 \over \sqrt{5}.
Now, I'm not sure how to handle the phase. From what I remember, a resistor doesn't affect the phase, a capacitor shifts the current ahead 90 degrees compared to the voltage, and an inductor shifts it 90 degrees behind. So I would think that the total phase is zero and we get I = {V_0\over \sqrt{5}}\sin\omega t.
But then what does the angle associated with Z (i.e. \tan^{-1} 2) have to do with it.

Also, will the current have the same profile (and phase) everywhere in the circuit, or does it depend on "where" we measure the current in the circuit??

Any help would be great.
 
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I think I may have got it. I'd still really like it if someone can tell me if I have this right.
First of all, the total impedance should be
Z=1+\left(4\omega -{1\over{2\omega}}\right)i
or in polar form
Z = \sqrt{1+\left(4\omega -{1\over{2\omega}}\right)^2}e^{i\tan^{-1}\left(4\omega -{1\over{2\omega}}\right)}.
Now, using Ohm
I = V/Z, we get
I = {V_0\over{\sqrt{1+\left(4\omega -{1\over{2\omega}}\right)^2}}}\sin{\left(\omega t - \tan^{-1}\left({4\omega -{1\over{2\omega}}}\right)\right)}.
I'm not really sure if this is right. I'm using a textbook that uses funny notation where they just forget about the omega t and the sin and work only with the phases.
 
Last edited:
Pacopag said:
Now, I'm not sure how to handle the phase. From what I remember, a resistor doesn't affect the phase, a capacitor shifts the current ahead 90 degrees compared to the voltage, and an inductor shifts it 90 degrees behind. So I would think that the total phase is zero.

Your description about the phase shifts is correct, but only for the individual circuit components. The total phase would be zero only if the impedance of the capacitor and inductor are equivalent--the two phasors would point in opposite directions and have same magnitude. Does the problem give values for the resistor, capacitor, inductor? If so, I recommend computing the individual impedances of the components, drawing a phasor diagram, and computing the total impedance of the circuit from your diagram. If not, you may have to generalize your derivation to include such arbitrary values.
 

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