Metal Detector Resonance Principle
This simulation demonstrates how metal detectors work using the principle of resonance in AC circuits, as explained in Example 7.10.
ALARM! METAL DETECTED
The change in circuit current has triggered the alarm
Resonant Frequency
1.00 kHz
f = 1/(2π√(LC))
Circuit Current
0.00 mA
I = V/Z
Impedance
1000 Ω
Z = √(R² + (XL - XC)²)
Explanation (from Example 7.10):
The metal detector works on the principle of resonance in AC circuits. When you walk through a metal detector, you walk through a coil connected to a capacitor tuned to resonance. Without metal, the circuit maintains steady current. When metal is present, it changes the circuit's impedance (Z), causing a significant current change that triggers the alarm.
Key parameters: L = 10 mH, C = 2.53 μF (resonant frequency ≈ 1 kHz), V = 10 V