Electrical Resonance and Complex Numbers

No need to feel bad about it. Glad I could help. In summary, the conversation discusses determining the resonance angular frequency of a circuit in terms of R, L, and C. The circuit is setup with a series resistor and inductor, and a parallel capacitor. The complex impedance Z must be real for the circuit to be in resonance, and this leads to a quadratic formula for finding the value of \omega. The conversation also mentions using Euler's relation and setting the imaginary part of Z equal to zero. The expert summarizer suggests just setting the imaginary part of Z equal to zero and dividing by omega to simplify the equation. The conversation ends with the expert summarizer providing reassurance that it is common to miss the obvious and expressing
  • #1
thirdchildikari
17
0

Homework Statement



A circuit is said to be in resonance if it's complex impedance Z (in terms of R, L, and C (being the resistance, inductance, and capacitance)) is real. We are to determine the resonance angular frequency [tex]\omega[/tex] in terms of R, L, and C.

Homework Equations



The circuit is setup so that the resistor and inductor are in series, and the capacitor in parallel with them. I've solved for he total impedance as,

[tex]Z_{tot}=\frac{R-i(\omega c R^2 + \omega^3 L^2 C - \omega L)}{(\omega C R)^2+(\omega^2 L C - 1)^2}[/tex]

And this agrees with the answer supplied in the text. I feel that Euler's relation should be playing a role here as well.

The Attempt at a Solution



The question mentions that the circuit would be in resonance if Z is real. I'm thinking that must mean

[tex]Z_{real}=\frac{R}{(\omega C R)^2+(\omega^2 L C - 1)^2}[/tex]

But even if that's true, how would I then find [tex]\omega[/tex]? This real component of Z isn't equal to anything. Using Euler's relation seems promising, but for some reason I just don't know what steps to take here. Do I use Euler's relation and set it equal to the real component of Z?

Also, another question of mine (about a similar, yet different circuit setup) mentions the angle of Z being 45 degrees? That would mean real and imaginary components of Z are equal, but where does that get me? And do I need an angle for my original question.

This stuff is driving me nuts...any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
thirdchildikari said:

Homework Statement



A circuit is said to be in resonance if it's complex impedance Z (in terms of R, L, and C (being the resistance, inductance, and capacitance)) is real. We are to determine the resonance angular frequency [tex]\omega[/tex] in terms of R, L, and C.

Homework Equations



The circuit is setup so that the resistor and inductor are in series, and the capacitor in parallel with them. I've solved for he total impedance as,

[tex]Z_{tot}=\frac{R-i(\omega c R^2 + \omega^3 L^2 C - \omega L)}{(\omega C R)^2+(\omega^2 L C - 1)^2}[/tex]

And this agrees with the answer supplied in the text. I feel that Euler's relation should be playing a role here as well.

The Attempt at a Solution



The question mentions that the circuit would be in resonance if Z is real. I'm thinking that must mean

[tex]Z_{real}=\frac{R}{(\omega C R)^2+(\omega^2 L C - 1)^2}[/tex]

But even if that's true, how would I then find [tex]\omega[/tex]? This real component of Z isn't equal to anything. Using Euler's relation seems promising, but for some reason I just don't know what steps to take here. Do I use Euler's relation and set it equal to the real component of Z?

Just set the imaginary part of Z equal to zero! In other words set
[tex] \omega c R^2 + \omega^3 L^2 C - \omega L=0 [/tex]
You may divide by omega throughout (since we assume omega is not zero itself) and that leaves you with a quadratic formula for omega

Also, another question of mine (about a similar, yet different circuit setup) mentions the angle of Z being 45 degrees? That would mean real and imaginary components of Z are equal, but where does that get me? And do I need an angle for my original question.

This stuff is driving me nuts...any help would be appreciated.
It leaves you with an equation. Just set the imaginary part equal to the real part.

Hope this helps

Patrick
 
  • #3
nrqed said:
Just set the imaginary part of Z equal to zero! In other words set
[tex] \omega c R^2 + \omega^3 L^2 C - \omega L=0 [/tex]
You may divide by omega throughout (since we assume omega is not zero itself) and that leaves you with a quadratic formula for omega

...wow...why did I not see that hours ago?

Thanks a ton...I'm really sort of awestruck at how simple that was and how I didn't see it sooner.
 
  • #4
thirdchildikari said:
...wow...why did I not see that hours ago?

Thanks a ton...I'm really sort of awestruck at how simple that was and how I didn't see it sooner.

:-) :-)

Sometimes we miss the obvious.
 

FAQ: Electrical Resonance and Complex Numbers

What is electrical resonance?

Electrical resonance refers to the phenomenon where an electrical circuit or system responds strongly to a specific frequency or range of frequencies. This occurs when the reactance of the circuit matches its resistance, resulting in a maximum transfer of energy.

How is resonance related to complex numbers?

In electrical resonance, complex numbers are used to represent the impedance of a circuit, which is the combination of its resistance and reactance. The reactance values are represented by imaginary numbers, which allow for the calculation of the circuit's resonance frequency and the amount of energy transferred at that frequency.

What is the significance of the resonance frequency?

The resonance frequency is significant because it is the frequency at which the circuit responds most strongly, resulting in the highest transfer of energy. This can be useful in designing and tuning electrical systems for optimal performance.

How is resonance used in practical applications?

Resonance is used in many practical applications, such as in radio and television broadcasting, where circuits are tuned to specific frequencies for efficient transmission and reception. It is also used in electronic filters, sensors, and medical devices.

Can resonance be harmful?

In some cases, resonance can be harmful, particularly in power systems. If the resonance frequency of a circuit coincides with the frequency of the electrical supply, it can cause excessive currents and damage equipment. This is why it is important to design and maintain electrical systems to avoid resonance.

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