A capacitor is a device that can store electric charge on its conductive plates. The amount of charge (Q) that a capacitor can store depends on the voltage difference between its plates. When a capacitor is connected to an alternating current (AC) circuit, its capacitance affects how well it can store and release charge as […]
Calculating Resistance and Impedance
The term “resistance” refers to the opposition to current flow in a DC circuit, whereas the term “impedance” refers to the opposition to current flow in an AC circuit, measured in Ohms. Impedance is a combination of AC resistance and reactance, which effectively reduces the current flow. Phasor Representation in AC Circuits To represent complex […]
Calculating Inductance and Inductive Reactance
An inductive coil generates a self-induced electromotive force (emf) opposing the initial emf in response to an AC supply. This phenomenon, termed inductive reactance, imposes limitations on the flow of time-varying current in the circuit. Inductors and Energy Storage Inductors, also known as chokes, are coils wound around air or ferromagnetic material to enhance their […]
Calculating Phase Shift and Phase Difference
In this post we comprehensively discuss how to calculate and solve phase shift and phase difference in AC sinusoidal waveforms, using appropriate formulas. What are Phasors? Phasors analyze AC circuit behavior when frequencies are the same. Combining phasors depends on their relative phase. Sinusoidal waveforms reach max values at π/2 and 3π/2, and zero values […]
How to Calculate Sinusoidal Waveforms
In this post we comprehensively discuss sinusoidal waveforms and learn how to calculate the involved specifications and parameters. What are Sinusoidal Waves? Basically, sinusoidal waveforms are periodic waveforms whose shape can be plotted using the sine or cosine function of trigonometry. We commonly refer to electrical circuits supplied by sinusoidal waveforms as “AC” voltages and […]
Calculating Phasors and Complex Numbers
Phasors are complex numbers which are used to represent the magnitude and phase angle of sinusoidal waveforms in AC circuits. When you are working with frequency-dependent sinusoidal sources and vectors in electrical engineering, real numbers alone are insufficient. The introduction of Complex Numbers which include imaginary numbers denoted by the “j” operator, addresses the need […]