What is the Frequency for In-Phase Current and Voltage in RLC Circuit?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an RLC circuit problem involving a 60-Hz generator, a resistor, and a capacitor. The original poster seeks to determine the frequency at which the current and voltage are in phase, following several related calculations regarding RMS current, phase angle, and average power.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between phase angle and frequency, questioning the conditions under which current and voltage are in phase. There are attempts to apply relevant formulas, such as the expression for phase angle in a series R-C circuit, and considerations of what it means for the phase angle to be zero.

Discussion Status

Some participants have proposed that achieving in-phase conditions may require extreme frequency values, while others are exploring the implications of the phase angle and the reactance of the capacitor. There is a recognition of the complexity of the question, with varying interpretations being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may be a trick question, and there is some confusion regarding the implications of the phase angle and the behavior of the circuit at different frequencies. The discussion includes references to previous parts of the assignment and the need for clarity on the definitions involved.

monnapomona
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Homework Statement



This was a part question and I got everything else but one part (#4!):

1) A 60-Hz generator with an RMS potential of 240 V is connected in series with a 3350 Ohm resistor and a 1.5 microFarad capacitor. What is the RMS current in the circuit?
IRMS = 6.34 * 10-2 A

2) In the previous question, what is the phase angle between the current and total voltage (in degrees)?
\phi = 27.8 deg

3) What would be the average (RMS) power consumed in the circuit in the previous question?
Pavg = 13.5 W

4) At what frequency would the circuit in the previous problems have to be operated in order to have the current and total circuit voltage be in phase?

Homework Equations



z = sqrt(R^2 + XC^2) <-- not sure if I had to use this one
XC = 1/ωC
ω = 2πf

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't really know how to solve this (or if I'm even using the right equations to solve for it) but I tried solving for f in the formula and I got 72.3 as the answer and it was wrong in the homework assignment. I think phase difference is pi/2 so if it's in phase, do I need to add pi/2 to my final answer...? I'm very lost with this question as you can tell.
 
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monnapomona said:

Homework Statement



This was a part question and I got everything else but one part (#4!):

1) A 60-Hz generator with an RMS potential of 240 V is connected in series with a 3350 Ohm resistor and a 1.5 microFarad capacitor. What is the RMS current in the circuit?
IRMS = 6.34 * 10-2 A

2) In the previous question, what is the phase angle between the current and total voltage (in degrees)?
\phi = 27.8 deg

3) What would be the average (RMS) power consumed in the circuit in the previous question?
Pavg = 13.5 W

4) At what frequency would the circuit in the previous problems have to be operated in order to have the current and total circuit voltage be in phase?

Homework Equations



z = sqrt(R^2 + XC^2) <-- not sure if I had to use this one
XC = 1/ωC
ω = 2πf

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't really know how to solve this (or if I'm even using the right equations to solve for it) but I tried solving for f in the formula and I got 72.3 as the answer and it was wrong in the homework assignment. I think phase difference is pi/2 so if it's in phase, do I need to add pi/2 to my final answer...? I'm very lost with this question as you can tell.

Well, for one thing, it's a trick question.

What is the expression for phase angle between total applied voltage and current for a series R-C circuit?

Or: go back to part 2 and change the frequency until you get in-phase between total applied voltage and current.
 
rude man said:
Well, for one thing, it's a trick question.

What is the expression for phase angle between total applied voltage and current for a series R-C circuit?

Or: go back to part 2 and change the frequency until you get in-phase between total applied voltage and current.

I think it's cos\phi = R/Z, Z = sqrt(R^2 + XC^2)... I don't know if I thinking about this correctly but does in phase mean that the angle = 0?
 
monnapomona said:
I think it's cos\phi = R/Z, Z = sqrt(R^2 + XC^2)... I don't know if I thinking about this correctly but does in phase mean that the angle = 0?

That formula is correct.
Yes, "in phase" means zero phase angle between V and i.

So now what does XC have to be to make the phase angle zero?
 
rude man said:
That formula is correct.
Yes, "in phase" means zero phase angle between V and i.

So now what does XC have to be to make the phase angle zero?

Hmm... well if cos-1(1) = 0, then my answer has to equal 1 somehow... so wouldn't XC need to be 0 because:

cos\phi = 3500 \Omega / sqrt((3500 \Omega)^2 + 0^2) = 1
\phi = cos-1(1) = 0 deg
 
Hi physics 126 classmate here. I'm also stuck on this question. I propose to get I and V in phase, the frequency has to be infinity.
 
mojo11jojo said:
Hi physics 126 classmate here. I'm also stuck on this question. I propose to get I and V in phase, the frequency has to be infinity.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking cause if the XC is 0 then we would have to be dividing over 0 to get f since XC = 1/(2πf*C)... is that what you did?
 
yup just yolo'd and typed infinity into the answer slot. It is correct :) Also the last question, the answer is The current will be the same at very low frequencies and at very high frequencies only.
 
mojo11jojo said:
yup just yolo'd and typed infinity into the answer slot. It is correct :) Also the last question, the answer is The current will be the same at very low frequencies and at very high frequencies only.

Say what! Haha awesome.

Ah, I got that one! Thanks! :P
 
  • #10
Enjoy the free 100% for anyone googling answers
 
  • #11
monnapomona said:
Say what! Haha awesome.

Ah, I got that one! Thanks! :P

Told yu it was a trick question!

But - what's this about the current being the same at very low & very high frequencies?
 
  • #12
It's a separate question altogether not included in the original post
 

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