Voltages across circuit elements

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the voltages across two circuit elements in series, specifically questioning whether it is possible for the individual voltages to be non-zero while their sum is zero.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the conditions under which two non-zero voltages can sum to zero, considering examples such as resistors and batteries. Questions about the nature of circuit elements and their voltage relationships are raised.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided suggestions and examples to guide the original poster's understanding, while others are exploring different interpretations of the problem. The discussion is ongoing, with various perspectives being considered.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of resonance in circuits and the phase relationships between voltages in RLC circuits, which may influence the understanding of the problem. The original poster has not yet provided a detailed attempt at a solution.

tomrja
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Homework Statement



The voltages across two circuit elements in series is zero. Is it possible that the voltages across the individual elements are nevertheless not zero? Give an example.

Homework Equations



NA

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not really sure where to start with this problem. Any suggestions?
 
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I can't give away very much because you haven't shown an attempt.
How about listing some "circuit elements"?
Could you meet the condition with two resistors and a current flowing through them? Why not? How about two ? elements?
 
From my point of view it seems that the only way two nonzero voltages could add up to a zero voltage is if both individual voltages were equal but of opposite sign for two circuit elements in series. Does this seem plausible?
 
I read up a little bit on this subject and found that at resonance xL=xC, IxL=Ixc, therefore VL=Vc.

Thank you for your suggestions.
 
With inductors, you would be in the same position as with resistors; two voltages adding to make a larger voltage.
both individual voltages were equal but of opposite sign
Definitely on the right track here! Forget inductors, resistors, capacitors. Can you use two batteries?
 
Don't forget inductors and capacitors! Consider a series RLC circuit (with small R) driven by a voltage source near the resonance frequency. Think about phase relationships.
 

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