Solving Currents & Impedance for 50V, 60 Hz Circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a circuit problem involving a 50V, 60Hz AC circuit with resistive (R), capacitive (C), and inductive (L) components. Participants are attempting to calculate the current through each component, the total current, and the total impedance using various mathematical tools, particularly Mathcad.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the current through the resistor (I_R) as 0.333 A with an angle of 0 degrees, using the formula I = U/Z.
  • Another participant suggests using Mathcad to work directly with complex numbers, recommending the use of specific functions to find magnitudes and angles of complex values.
  • There are inquiries about how to perform calculations in polar form rather than complex form, with requests for guidance on resetting defined variables in Mathcad.
  • Participants discuss issues with undefined variables when using imaginary numbers in their calculations.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for assistance received, indicating that the help has improved their workflow.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the methods to calculate currents and impedances, but there is no consensus on the best way to display results in polar form or how to manage variables in Mathcad.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations in their versions of Mathcad, particularly regarding the display of results and variable management, which may affect their calculations.

EVriderDK
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Homework Statement



50 volts, 60 Hz
http://peecee.dk/upload/view/363429

I have to find the current through R, C, and L.
Total current.
Totalt impedance.


Homework Equations



I=(U/Z)

The Attempt at a Solution



See picture: http://peecee.dk/upload/view/363430

For I_R it must be (50/150)=0.333. And as it is a resistor, the angle must be 0, so 0.333∠0 ?

On my TI89 i can sum all the currents on complex form, but how to do it in mathcad? On the TI89 it is just (3∠90)+(4∠90) etc.

Thank you in advance.
 
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EVriderDK said:

Homework Statement



50 volts, 60 Hz
http://peecee.dk/upload/view/363429

I have to find the current through R, C, and L.
Total current.
Totalt impedance.

Homework Equations



I=(U/Z)

The Attempt at a Solution



See picture: http://peecee.dk/upload/view/363430

For I_R it must be (50/150)=0.333. And as it is a resistor, the angle must be 0, so 0.333∠0 ?

On my TI89 i can sum all the currents on complex form, but how to do it in mathcad? On the TI89 it is just (3∠90)+(4∠90) etc.

Thank you in advance.

In MathCad you can work directly with complex numbers. Just assign R, ZL, ZC variables the appropriate complex values, then write whatever expressions you want with them. Use the |x| operation to find the magnitude of the complex value x. Similarly use the arg(x) function to find the argument, that is angle, of the complex value.

Examples:

attachment.php?attachmentid=46623&stc=1&d=1335295968.gif
 

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EVriderDK said:
Thank you!

Well, I'm trying to do this: http://www.ece.uidaho.edu/ee/power/ECE528/Polar PDF.pdf
But what i get is red markings: http://peecee.dk/upload/view/363597

The red highlight that you're seeing on the "j" variable indicates that you're referencing an undefined variable.

When entering i or j to represent ##\sqrt{-1}## then enter them as 1i or 1j, that is, a numeric 1 followed immediately by i or j. The '1' will disappear when the equation is not selected. This serves to distinguish these special variables from mundane variables i and j that you may define and use.
 
Thank you! Do you know how only to calculate on polar form?

I want this result as polar, instead of complex: http://peecee.dk/upload/view/363771

And is there away to reset all defined variables? Like r:=r with r and all:=all with all? :)
 
Last edited:
EVriderDK said:
Thank you! Do you know how only to calculate on polar form?

I want this result as polar, instead of complex: http://peecee.dk/upload/view/363771

And is there away to reset all defined variables? Like r:=r with r and all:=all with all? :)

I'm not aware of any built-in way to force a result to be displayed in polar form, at least not with the older version of Mathcad that I'm using.

You can "undefine" individual variable numerical values by using them in unfinished assignment statements:

r :=
b :=

etc.

They can be turned into unassigned variables for the symbolic processor by equating them to themselves as you've done. I'm not aware of any way to de-assign all variables in one step.
 


THank you for all your help!
 


EVriderDK said:
Thank you! Do you know how only to calculate on polar form?

I want this result as polar, instead of complex:

You can define functions to do the conversions. In Mathcad 15, you can define them in such a way as to allow you to put them in the unit placeholder to display results in the way you want.



NR
 

Attachments



Thank you very much again Nemo. That was helpful. Now i can save a couple of steps henceforth ;)
 

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