The potential difference across an inductor

In summary, the conversation discusses a circuit with a capacitor and an inductor connected in series with an AC source. The task is to determine the current intensity and voltage across each component in the circuit. The circuit is solved using the equations Z=√R²+(Xl-Xc) and I=V/Z, with values for the components provided. However, there is a discrepancy in the book's solution, as they treat the inductor and capacitor differently in terms of their internal resistance. It is suggested to follow the book's approach for the inductor and treat the capacitor in the same manner for a correct solution.
  • #1
Asmaa Mohammad
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7

Homework Statement


In a circuit, a capacitor (Xc=30Ω, R=44Ω) and an inductor (Xl=90Ω, R=36Ω) are connected in series with an AC source (ƒ=60Hz, V=200V). Determine:
1-current intensity
2-the voltage across every component in the circuit.

Homework Equations


Z=√R²+(Xl-Xc) Where: Z is the impedance, Xl is the inductive reactance, and Xc is the capacitive reactance.
I=V/Z

The Attempt at a Solution


That is how I solved the problem:
SGFHI.jpg

And that is how my textbook solved it:
2TGtw.jpg

I get confused when I saw it, because I don't know why it consider the resistance of the capacitor to be an independant resistance while it didn't do with the resistance of the inductor, and determined the equivalent impedance of it, and consequently, it determined the potential difference across the inductor as 193.86V and not 180V as I did.
Could someone explain it for me?
 
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  • #2
This is how a lossy capacitor is represented:
images (5).jpg
But then Z is not 100 ohm as both the resistances are no longer in series.
Perhaps there is a mistake in the book's solution.
 
  • #3
cnh1995 said:
This is how a lossy capacitor is represented:
View attachment 112591But then Z is not 100 ohm as both the resistances are no longer in series.
Perhaps there is a mistake in the book's solution.

I've a feeling that they're not looking to introduce the complication of a parallel RC component. I'd judge from the solution method being used (dealing with reactances algebraically) that complex impedance hasn't yet been introduced in the course, and the circuit analysis would be fairly nasty and certainly not as simple as what the textbook indicates even allowing for an error on their part. But I do agree that the textbook solution is wrong in either case.

@Asmaa Mohammad is right to question the book's discrepancy in dealing with the resistance and reactance components differently for the two components. For the apparent course level I would be inclined to interpret the circuit as follows:

upload_2017-2-5_12-31-22.png

and to treat the capacitor and inductor in the same fashion mathematically.
 
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  • #4
cnh1995 said:
This is how a lossy capacitor is represented:
View attachment 112591But then Z is not 100 ohm as both the resistances are no longer in series.
Perhaps there is a mistake in the book's solution.
Actually, I didn't have an interpretation of a lossy capacitor in my assignment, I don't know why there are excerecises about it in my textbook, may be for this the book treated its resistance as a separate resistance connected in series with the inductor and the capacitor.
gneill said:
@Asmaa Mohammad is right to question the book's discrepancy in dealing with the resistance and reactance components differently for the two components. For the apparent course level I would be inclined to interpret the circuit as follows:

upload_2017-2-5_12-31-22-png.112593.png

and to treat the capacitor and inductor in the same fashion mathematically.
Gneill, still I don't know if my answer is correct or not?
 
  • #5
Asmaa Mohammad said:
Gneill, still I don't know if my answer is correct or not?
No. You should use your book's approach. Their calculation of inductor voltage is correct and they should have taken the 44 ohm resistor in series with the capacitive reactance. See gneill's diagram.
That's what I meant when I said,
cnh1995 said:
Perhaps there is a mistake in the book's solution.
 
  • #6
Asmaa Mohammad said:
Gneill, still I don't know if my answer is correct or not?
I would say it is not correct. I feel that the components of the circuit are the non-ideal capacitor and inductor and that their internal resistance can't be separated as separate components.

The textbook's approach for the inductor is valid and they have obtained a correct result for it. My advice is to do the same thing for the capacitor.

When you submit your work for marking you might want to include a brief argument for not treating the resistance as separate components when judging the voltage across the "real" components.
 
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  • #7
cnh1995 said:
Their calculation of inductor voltage is correct and they should have taken the 44 ohm resistor in series with the capacitance
gneill said:
I would say it is not correct. I feel that the components of the circuit are the non-ideal capacitor and inductor and that their internal resistance can't be separated as separate components.

The textbook's approach for the inductor is valid and they have obtained a correct result for it. My advice is to do the same thing for the capacitor.

When you submit your work for marking you might want to include a brief argument for not treating the resistance as separate components when judging the voltage across the "real" components.
Ok, guys, is this answer correct?
W77jQ.jpg
 
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  • #8
Asmaa Mohammad said:
Ok, guys, is this answer correct?
Looks good!
 
  • #9
cnh1995 said:
Looks good!
Thank you, cnh1995!
 
  • #10
Asmaa Mohammad said:
Thank you, cnh1995!
You're welcome!
 
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What is an inductor?

An inductor is an electronic component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. It is typically made of a coil of wire and is used in many electronic devices such as transformers, motors, and generators.

What is potential difference?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electrical circuit. It is measured in volts and is responsible for the flow of electric current.

How is potential difference across an inductor measured?

The potential difference across an inductor can be measured using a voltmeter. The voltmeter is connected in parallel to the inductor, and the voltage reading is taken. This reading represents the potential difference across the inductor.

What causes potential difference across an inductor?

The potential difference across an inductor is caused by the changing magnetic field created by the flow of electric current through the inductor. This changing magnetic field induces an electric current in the opposite direction, resulting in a potential difference.

How does potential difference affect an inductor?

Potential difference has a direct relationship with inductance, which is a measure of an inductor's ability to store energy in a magnetic field. As potential difference increases, the inductance of an inductor also increases, and vice versa. This can affect the performance of electronic devices that use inductors, such as inductance-based filters and amplifiers.

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