What Capacitor Values Solve This AC Circuit Problem?

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The discussion revolves around solving for the values of two capacitors in an AC circuit, where they exhibit different current readings when configured in parallel (545 mA) versus in series (126 mA). Participants highlight that the calculated capacitance values appear too small, suggesting they should be significantly larger based on the current and voltage provided. There is a mention of missing formulas, particularly regarding capacitive reactance, and the correct expression for current in relation to capacitance. The original poster is encouraged to re-evaluate their equations and plug in the known values to derive the correct capacitor values. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurately applying the formulas for both configurations to resolve the issue.
bemigh
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Hey guys,
I have this problem.. When two capacitors.. (different) are in parallel across a 10.0 volt rms, 1.0 khz oscillator, the currrent is 545 mA . When the same capactiors are in series.. its 126 mA. What are the values of the two capacitors...

Alright.. now... The formula when its in parallel is : I=wCV and C= C1+C2
When in series: its I=wCV and 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2

Using these formulas.. i plug in the known values or voltage, omega ( which i found) and the current... I have two equations with two unknowns... and after a lot of greasy quadratics.. i have two answers.. but it says they are both wrong.. 4..628e-6 and 3.522e-6

Did i stray anywhere here??
Cheers
Brentski
 
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Brentski,

It seems to me that the capacitance values you got are way too small. They should add up to something like .0545 F, and should add in inverse to .0126 F. Maybe I'm off by a factor of 2 pi, but even then my values are WAY larger than yours.

1KHz is a very low frequency. 10V is a low voltage. But 126mA is a huge current. It's going to take a big capacitor for that kind of current.

Carl
 
Seems like there are some formulas missing? Are you looking to include capacitive reactance? 1 over the square root of 2 pi fc ? (or something like that) . In your equation, what does 'w' represent?

What happens if you plug in a range of arbitrary cap values? then plot the results and approximate whether to increase/decrease values? Id try but don't know what 'w' refers to
 
bemigh said:
Hey guys,
I have this problem.. When two capacitors.. (different) are in parallel across a 10.0 volt rms, 1.0 khz oscillator, the currrent is 545 mA . When the same capactiors are in series.. its 126 mA. What are the values of the two capacitors...

Alright.. now... The formula when its in parallel is : I=wCV and C= C1+C2
When in series: its I=wCV and 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2

Using these formulas.. i plug in the known values or voltage, omega ( which i found) and the current... I have two equations with two unknowns... and after a lot of greasy quadratics.. i have two answers.. but it says they are both wrong.. 4..628e-6 and 3.522e-6

Did i stray anywhere here??
Cheers
Brentski
Your expression for current is wrong. It should be: I = V/X_c = V/\omega C

So for the series configuration:

I_s = V(1/C_1 + 1/C_2)/\omega

and in parallel:

I_p = V/\omega(C_1 + C_2)

Plug in values for the two currents and V and work out C1 and C2

AM
 

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