Solving for RMS current of a resistor, help?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the RMS current for a resistor connected to an AC power supply, given the current expression I=(1.35A)cos(300t) and an emf of 120 V rms. The initial attempt to find the RMS current using Imax=0.477 A was incorrect due to misunderstanding the maximum current value. The correct maximum current, Imax, is 1.35 A, derived from the coefficient of the cosine function. Consequently, the RMS current is calculated as IRMS=1.35/√2, resulting in approximately 0.955 A. This clarification resolves the confusion regarding the time-dependent nature of the cosine function.
clamatoman
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Homework Statement


A resistor connected across an AC power supply has a current given by I=(1.35A)cos(300t) when connected to a power supply with emf 120 V rms.
Find the RMS current.

Homework Equations


IRMS=Imax/√2

The Attempt at a Solution


IRMS=Imax/√2
IRMS=0.477 A
INCORRECT
Not exactly sure what to do? I am not given any other data besides what i have written above. I do not have the Power, or the Resistance, and in fact will have to solve for those in part B. and C. of this problem. I know I am missing something here, and i have re-read the chapter in my textbook but it is not helping.
 
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How did you establish the value of ##I_{max}## that you used?
 
gneill said:
How did you establish the value of ##I_{max}## that you used?
I used the value of "I=(1.35A)cos(300t)" they gave as Imax.
 
clamatoman said:
I used the value of "I=(1.35A)cos(300t)" they gave as Imax.
Okay, but that's not a value. What value (single number) did you use?
 
gneill said:
Okay, but that's not a value. What value (single number) did you use?
I used (1.35A)cos(300t) = 0.675
I think what I am missing is what the "t" component means?
 
clamatoman said:
I used (1.35A)cos(300t) = 0.675
That is incorrect for a couple of reasons. First, the expression cos(300t) is a function of time t. Second, the "300" in the expression would have units of radians per second, not degrees per second.

Read the maximum value from the coefficient: 1.35 A. The cosine function makes the current vary between the bounds -1.35 A and +1.35 A over time.
 
gneill said:
That is incorrect for a couple of reasons. First, the expression cos(300t) is a function of time t. Second, the "300" in the expression would have units of radians per second, not degrees per second.

Read the maximum value from the coefficient: 1.35 A. The cosine function makes the current vary between the bounds -1.35 A and +1.35 A over time.
Ahh Okay.
So.
Imax=1.35 A
IRMS=1.35/√2=.955 A
Excellent, thank you.
 
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