What is a Phasor? Explanation & Definition

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A phasor is a rotating vector used to represent the phase differences of alternating current or voltages, allowing for easier calculations. In most applications, one can treat phasors like ordinary vectors without focusing on their rotation. The concept stems from the idea that a sinewave can be visualized as the projection of a rotating vector onto a specific axis. Understanding phasors simplifies the analysis of AC circuits and their components. This explanation clarifies the role of phasors in electrical engineering contexts.
azolotor
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Could someone please give me an explanation of what we mean we say phasor please. We went over phasors in class today and I understood all the manipulations we were doing for superposition but my professor mentioned phasors and never said what they were. I have looked up several definitions but it isn't gelling for me. Thanks in advance!
 
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azolotor said:
Could someone please give me an explanation of what we mean we say phasor please. We went over phasors in class today and I understood all the manipulations we were doing for superposition but my professor mentioned phasors and never said what they were. I have looked up several definitions but it isn't gelling for me. Thanks in advance!
Was he talking about Star Trek or electricity?

Phasors are vectors drawn in a circle to represent the phase differences of alternating current or voltages so that values can be calculated.

AM
 
azolotor said:
Could someone please give me an explanation of what we mean we say phasor please.
A phasor is a rotating vector. In 99.9% of your course of study you can neglect the fact that they rotate; just manipulate them like ordinary vectors. They rotate because a sinewave can be represented by the projection of a rotating vector onto a chosen axis.
 
Thanks so much! Much clearer now.
 

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