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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the voltage V(t) in a complex AC circuit using the principle of superposition. The original poster presents their calculations involving phasor forms and impedance for inductors and capacitors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply superposition and voltage division to find the voltage across components in the circuit. They express confusion regarding the signs of the reactive component impedances and how it affects their calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on checking the signs of the reactive impedances, leading to a realization by the original poster that correcting the sign of the capacitor's impedance resolves their issue. The discussion includes questions about the rules governing the signs of impedances for inductors and capacitors.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific impedances and their calculations, indicating a focus on understanding the underlying principles of AC circuit analysis without providing a definitive solution.

iharuyuki
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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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Check the signs of your reactive component impedances.
 
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?
 
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.
 
I see, thank you!
 

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