What Is the Correct RMS Voltage Calculation for a Sinewave?

  • Thread starter Thread starter shaqtus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Rms Voltage
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The correct RMS voltage calculation for a sinewave is not simply the average of the peak voltages. The peak voltage of the sinewave is 1 V, derived from 2 * 500mV. However, the RMS voltage for a sinewave is calculated using the formula RMS = V_peak / √2, which results in approximately 0.707 V for a peak voltage of 1 V. The discussion highlights a common misconception in calculating RMS values by averaging peak voltages.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RMS (Root Mean Square) voltage calculations
  • Familiarity with sinewave characteristics and properties
  • Basic knowledge of voltage measurements and oscilloscopes
  • Ability to perform mathematical operations including squaring and square roots
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of RMS voltage for different waveforms
  • Learn about the differences between peak voltage and RMS voltage
  • Explore the use of oscilloscopes for measuring voltage waveforms
  • Research practical applications of RMS voltage in electrical engineering
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, educators teaching waveform analysis, and professionals involved in circuit design and analysis will benefit from this discussion.

shaqtus
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


[PLAIN]http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7396/oscf.jpg

What is the RMS voltage of the top wave?

Homework Equations


RMS... root mean square


The Attempt at a Solution


If I'm right, the peak voltage is 1 V (gotten from 2 * 500mV). Square of 1 is 1. And there are 4 peaks, so 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4. Mean is 4 / 4 = 1. Then sqrt of 1 is 1. So my final answer is 1 V. Is this right?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
It looks to me like the top wave is plotted at 1V/division. Isn't that what this bit implies:

attachment.php?attachmentid=40033&stc=1&d=1318721845.gif
 

Attachments

  • Fig1.gif
    Fig1.gif
    3.7 KB · Views: 544
shaqtus said:
What is the RMS voltage of the top wave?
I assume this is a sinewave. Have you studied the RMS value of a sinewave? If not, then use a google search.

The Attempt at a Solution


If I'm right, the peak voltage is 1 V (gotten from 2 * 500mV). Square of 1 is 1. And there are 4 peaks, so 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4. Mean is 4 / 4 = 1. Then sqrt of 1 is 1. So my final answer is 1 V. Is this right?
No. Not even close, I'm afraid.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K