What is the voltage across the resistor in this AC circuit problem?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter Ackbach
  • Start date
  • Tags
    2015
In summary, the voltage across a resistor in an AC circuit is determined by Ohm's law and is important in calculating current and power. It is directly proportional to the frequency of the AC current and changes over time due to the alternating direction of the current. To measure the voltage, a voltmeter can be used in parallel with the resistor.
  • #1
Ackbach
Gold Member
MHB
4,155
92
Here is this week's University POTW.

-----

Refer to the following figure:

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/3820._xfImport

Given that $R1=1\times 10^6 \, \Omega$, $C1=1\times 10^{-9} \, \text{F}$, and $L1=1\times 10^{-3}\,\text{H}$, and that $V1(t)=120 \cos(120 \pi t)\,\text{V}$, find the voltage across the resistor as a function of time.

-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 

Attachments

  • MHB-POTW-146-RLC Circuit.png
    MHB-POTW-146-RLC Circuit.png
    1.1 KB · Views: 92
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
An honorable mention goes to topsquark, who provided some comments about the statement of the problem. I stand by the original problem statement, though. Here is my solution:

Converting to the phasor domain, the voltage is $120\angle 0$, the resistor impedance is $1\text{E6}$, the capacitor impedance is
$$\frac{1}{j\omega C}=\frac{1}{j(120\pi)(1\text{E-9})},$$
and the inductor impedance is $j\omega L=j(120\pi)(1\text{E-3})$. Finding the equivalent impedance involves summing the three impedances. This yields
$$Z_{\text{eq}}=2.835\text{E6} \angle -69.344^{\circ}.$$
Next we find the current phasor by dividing the voltage phasor by the equivalent impedance:
$$I=\frac{V}{Z_{\text{eq}}}=4.233\text{E-5} \angle 69.344^{\circ}.$$
Finally, we may compute the voltage phasor across the resistor by using Ohm's law again:
$$V_{R}=IR=(4.233\text{E-5} \angle 69.344^{\circ})(1\text{E6})
=(4.233\text{E1})\angle 69.344^{\circ}
=42.33 \cos(120\pi t+69.344^{\circ}).$$
 

FAQ: What is the voltage across the resistor in this AC circuit problem?

What is the voltage across the resistor in this AC circuit problem?

The voltage across a resistor in an AC circuit is equal to the product of the current flowing through the resistor and the resistance of the resistor. This is known as Ohm's law.

Why is the voltage across the resistor important in an AC circuit?

The voltage across the resistor is important because it determines the amount of current that will flow through the resistor. It is also used to calculate the power dissipated by the resistor.

How is the voltage across the resistor affected by the frequency of the AC current?

The voltage across the resistor is directly proportional to the frequency of the AC current. This means that as the frequency increases, the voltage across the resistor also increases.

Does the voltage across the resistor change over time in an AC circuit?

Yes, the voltage across the resistor changes over time in an AC circuit. This is because the direction of the current flow in an AC circuit alternates between positive and negative, resulting in a constantly changing voltage across the resistor.

How can the voltage across the resistor be measured in an AC circuit?

The voltage across the resistor can be measured using a voltmeter. The voltmeter should be connected in parallel with the resistor to get an accurate reading of the voltage across the resistor.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top