RC Circuit in AC
This simulation demonstrates an RC circuit connected to an AC source as described in Example 7.6, showing the phase relationship between voltages.
Impedance (Z)
291.5 Ω
Z = √(R² + XC²)
Current (I)
0.755 A
I = V/Z
VR (rms)
151 V
VR = IR
VC (rms)
160.3 V
VC = IXC
Capacitive Reactance
212.3 Ω
XC = 1/(2πνC)
Phase Angle
-46.7°
φ = tan-1(-XC/R)
Explanation (from Example 7.6):
This simulation shows an RC circuit with R = 200Ω and C = 15μF connected to a 220V, 50Hz AC source.
Key observations:
- The algebraic sum of VR (151V) and VC (160.3V) is 311.3V, which exceeds the source voltage (220V)
- This apparent paradox is resolved by recognizing the voltages are 90° out of phase
- The actual total voltage is the vector sum: V = √(VR² + VC²) = 220V
- The current leads the source voltage by 46.7° (phase angle)
