AC Parallel Circuit: Current In-Phase with Voltage?

AI Thread Summary
In a parallel circuit, the relationship between current and voltage varies depending on the components in each branch. While voltage remains the same across all branches, the current can differ significantly, especially when resistors, inductors, and capacitors are involved. In series circuits, current can be considered in phase with voltage only if the load is purely resistive. However, in parallel circuits, the phase relationship is not uniform due to the differing characteristics of the components. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing AC circuits effectively.
FionaZJ
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Current is in phase with voltage in series. What about in parallel?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I disagree that "in series" makes the V and I in phase, If the load is only resistive, then yes. You can say that the current through each element in a series circuit is in phase. ( but not the voltage)

As for Parallel it depends on the components in the different branches. Consider 3 branches, a resistor, an inductor and a capacitor ( all ideal) -- they each have a different V & I relationship. The Voltage across each branch is the same, but not the currents ( unless the branches are identical - of course)
 
  • Like
Likes FionaZJ and berkeman
Oh okay. Thank you
 

Thread 'Why does the amperage go real high if there is a low voltage short?'

I used to be an HVAC technician. One time I had a service call in which there was no power to the thermostat. The thermostat did not have power because the fuse in the air handler was blown. The fuse in the air handler was blown because there was a low voltage short. The rubber coating on one of the thermostat wires was chewed off by a rodent. The exposed metal in the thermostat wire was touching the metal cabinet of the air handler. This was a low voltage short. This low voltage...
View full post »
Thread 'How Does Jaguar's 1980s V12 Dual Coil Ignition System Enhance Spark Strength?'

Thread 'How Does Jaguar's 1980s V12 Dual Coil Ignition System Enhance Spark Strength?'

I have come across a dual coil ignition system as used by Jaguar on their V12 in the 1980's. It uses two ignition coils with their primary windings wired in parallel. The primary coil has its secondary winding wired to the distributor and then to the spark plugs as is standard practice. However, the auxiliary coil has it secondary winding output sealed off. The purpose of the system was to provide a stronger spark to the plugs, always a difficult task with the very short dwell time of a...
View full post »

Similar threads

Determining inductive reactance from a 3-phase AC circuit
Replies
17
Views
3K
Q-Factor in Series-Parallel Shunt Circuits
Replies
6
Views
2K
Parallel RLC Admittance, Current and Power Vector Diagrams
Replies
7
Views
2K
What determines the time constant in a parallel R and C circuit?
Replies
21
Views
3K
Phase Current Sensing Circuit: Q&A
Replies
1
Views
1K
Alternator torque when connected to a phase-shifted AC source
Replies
3
Views
2K
Phase Arrangement of Parallel Medium-Voltage Cables
Replies
20
Views
4K
Need help with a parallel inductance calculation for this transformer
Replies
2
Views
2K
Parallel MOSFET safety diagnostics circuit
Replies
1
Views
2K
How Does a Capacitor Introduce Phase Delay in a Circuit?
Replies
9
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top