Voltage, Current, and Time Graph with Sine Wave

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The discussion revolves around understanding a graph depicting voltage and current over time, specifically for a device with a frequency of 2.5 Hz. Participants clarify that the sine waves for voltage and current are in phase but have different amplitudes, and the arrows indicate the respective axes for each variable. To analyze the graph effectively, it is suggested to use peak values for calculations, such as determining resistance using R = V/I, rather than points where both voltage and current are zero. The period of the wave is identified as 0.4 seconds, reinforcing the frequency calculation. Overall, the conversation emphasizes breaking down the graph into components for better comprehension.
anomalocaris
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Homework Statement



Hello all! Basically, my professor used this graph in our lecture, but I do not really understand how to read it. The graph has three variables, so I'm guessing it is Voltage vs. Current as time increases? One question he asked was "The figure shows the voltage and current for a device. The frequency of the voltage is___" with the correct answer being 2.5 Hz.

Homework Equations



This graph makes very little sense to me, but I know that ω=2∏f
Would the self-inductance formula work here? ε=-L(ΔI/Δt)
This is the only equation I can think of that includes Volts, Amperes, and seconds.

The Attempt at a Solution



I know the sine waves are in phase with different amplitudes, but the arrows pointing in opposite directions must mean something? Should I choose the point where both the emf and the current are zero?
 

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anomalocaris said:

Homework Statement



Hello all! Basically, my professor used this graph in our lecture, but I do not really understand how to read it. The graph has three variables, so I'm guessing it is Voltage vs. Current as time increases? One question he asked was "The figure shows the voltage and current for a device. The frequency of the voltage is___" with the correct answer being 2.5 Hz.

Homework Equations



This graph makes very little sense to me, but I know that ω=2∏f
Would the self-inductance formula work here? ε=-L(ΔI/Δt)
This is the only equation I can think of that includes Volts, Amperes, and seconds.

The Attempt at a Solution



I know the sine waves are in phase with different amplitudes, but the arrows pointing in opposite directions must mean something? Should I choose the point where both the emf and the current are zero?


I think the arrows are just showing you which axis/scale applies to each graph. ie peak voltage is 2, peak current is 0.3 [I forgot to check whether they were Volts/millivolts and amps/milliamps etc.

This could be the voltage vs current values for a standard ohmic component. To find the resistance of that component you choose any point on the graph and apply R = V/I choosing a point where both V and I are 0 wouldn't help refine your answer - I would choose the peak positions.
 
anomalocaris said:

Homework Statement



Hello all! Basically, my professor used this graph in our lecture, but I do not really understand how to read it. The graph has three variables, so I'm guessing it is Voltage vs. Current as time increases? One question he asked was "The figure shows the voltage and current for a device. The frequency of the voltage is___" with the correct answer being 2.5 Hz.

Homework Equations



This graph makes very little sense to me, but I know that ω=2∏f
Would the self-inductance formula work here? ε=-L(ΔI/Δt)
This is the only equation I can think of that includes Volts, Amperes, and seconds.

The Attempt at a Solution



I know the sine waves are in phase with different amplitudes, but the arrows pointing in opposite directions must mean something? Should I choose the point where both the emf and the current are zero?

If you were only after the frequency, the graph shows the Period (time for a full cycle) is 0.4 seconds. That gives a frequency of 2.5 f = 1/T
 
yeah choose the point where both emf and the current are zero
 
Last edited:
PeterO said:
If you were only after the frequency, the graph shows the Period (time for a full cycle) is 0.4 seconds. That gives a frequency of 2.5 f = 1/T

Oh that makes so much sense! How simple! Thank you so much for breaking all of this down. So in a way I can look at this like two separate graphs/break it into components? And I guess the maximum values make more sense than using zero for other questions relating to this.

Thanks a bunch!
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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