Impedance/AC Circuits: Computing RMS Current

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In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with determining the RMS current in a circuit consisting of a sinusoidal power source, an inductor, and multiple resistors. The issue was resolved by considering complex numbers.
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GlennBridgman
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This post is designed to elicit a general explanation, but here is an example of the type of problem that is giving me issues.

You have a circuit, which is driven by a sinusoidal power source with frequency w. The circuit consists of a inductor with inductance L in parallel with a resistor with resistance R_L. Both of these are in turn in series with another resister with resistance R. How do I determine the RMS current through each of the circuit elements? Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
GlennBridgman said:
This post is designed to elicit a general explanation, but here is an example of the type of problem that is giving me issues.

You have a circuit, which is driven by a sinusoidal power source with frequency w. The circuit consists of a inductor with inductance L in parallel with a resistor with resistance R_L. Both of these are in turn in series with another resister with resistance R. How do I determine the RMS current through each of the circuit elements? Thanks in advance.
Never mind, figured it out. Was just being lazy about my complex numbers.
 

FAQ: Impedance/AC Circuits: Computing RMS Current

What is impedance in AC circuits?

Impedance is the measure of total opposition to the flow of alternating current (AC) in a circuit. It is a combination of resistance, inductive reactance, and capacitive reactance.

How do you calculate impedance in an AC circuit?

To calculate impedance, you need to use the formula Z = √(R² + (XL - XC)²), where Z is impedance, R is resistance, XL is inductive reactance, and XC is capacitive reactance.

What is the difference between impedance and resistance?

Resistance refers to the opposition to current flow in a circuit, while impedance takes into account both resistance and reactance, which is the opposition due to inductance and capacitance. In AC circuits, impedance is a more accurate measure of the total opposition to current flow.

What is RMS current in an AC circuit?

RMS (Root Mean Square) current is the effective current in an AC circuit, which is equivalent to the direct current (DC) that would produce the same amount of heat in a resistor. It takes into account the changing direction and magnitude of the current in an AC circuit.

How do you calculate RMS current in an AC circuit?

To calculate RMS current, you need to use the formula IRMS = Imax/√2, where Imax is the maximum current in the circuit. Alternatively, you can use the formula IRMS = VRMS/Z, where VRMS is the RMS voltage and Z is the impedance of the circuit.

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