Superposition: Find V(t) in complex (AC) circuit

In summary, the conversation is about using superposition and considering only the varying voltage source to calculate the total impedance of a circuit. The speaker encountered an issue with their working and realized that the signs of the reactive component impedances were incorrect. They also asked about the rule for determining the sign of an impedance, to which the expert replied that inductive impedances are positive while capacitive impedances are negative due to the formulas for inductors and capacitors.
  • #1
iharuyuki
16
1

Homework Statement



upload_2015-4-16_15-42-26.png

Homework Equations


phasor forms
voltage division
current division

The Attempt at a Solution



Using superposition, considering only the varying voltage source.

Z (L) = 4j
Z (C) = 5j

Total impedance:
4 is parallel with 5 = 2.44 + 1.95j
series with 1 + 4j
Total impedance: 3.44 + 5.95j = 6.87 <60°

Voltage source: 10<0°

Voltage division Vo(t) = 10<0° * (1/(6.87 <60°)) = 1.45<-60°
= 1.45cos (2t - 60°)

However this is off from the cos part of the correct answer.

What's wrong with my working?

Thank you very much.
 
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  • #2
Check the signs of your reactive component impedances.
 
  • #3
Thank you very much for your response.

With the capacitor's impedance set to negative and the correct answer pops up.

What is the rule to determine whether an impedance is positive or negative?
 
  • #4
iharuyuki said:
Thank you very much for your response.

With the capacitor's impedance set to negative and the correct answer pops up.

What is the rule to determine whether an impedance is positive or negative?
In general inductive impedances are positive while capacitive impedances are negative.

This comes from the formulas for impedances of inductors and capacitors:

##Z_L = j \omega L##
##Z_C = \frac{1}{j \omega C}##

When the j in the denominator of the capacitive impedance is "moved" to the numerator, its sign changes.
 
  • #5
I see, thank you!
 

1. What is superposition in a complex (AC) circuit?

Superposition in a complex (AC) circuit is the principle that states the individual voltages and currents in a circuit can be determined by adding the individual contributions of each source, while keeping all other sources turned off. This allows for the analysis of complex circuits with multiple sources and components.

2. How is superposition applied in a complex (AC) circuit?

To apply superposition in a complex (AC) circuit, one must first turn off all sources except for one and calculate the voltage or current using basic circuit analysis techniques. This is repeated for each source, and the final solution is found by adding all individual solutions together.

3. What are the limitations of using superposition in a complex (AC) circuit?

The main limitation of using superposition in a complex (AC) circuit is that it only applies to linear circuits. Nonlinear components, such as diodes and transistors, cannot be analyzed using this principle. Additionally, superposition assumes that the circuit is in a steady state and does not take into account transient effects.

4. Can superposition be used in a circuit with dependent sources?

Yes, superposition can be used in a circuit with dependent sources. In this case, the dependent sources are treated as regular sources and are turned off one at a time while the remaining sources are kept active. The final solution is then found by adding all individual solutions together.

5. Are there other methods for solving complex (AC) circuits besides superposition?

Yes, there are other methods for solving complex (AC) circuits, such as mesh analysis, nodal analysis, and Thevenin's theorem. These methods may be more efficient and accurate in certain situations, so it is important to understand when to use each method. Superposition is best suited for circuits with multiple sources and linear components.

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