RC-circuit

[nilrehob]

I have just made a document on the RC-circuit.
It can be found at my google site https://sites.google.com/site/nilrehob/home/documents .
The document needs peer-reviewing so please go ahead and find any errors if You are interested.

/Hob

[ewizard]

Mostly over my head without some lengthy study but I just noted in the first few words you have this word "notebookcalculates" which is of course just missing a space after notebook.

[nilrehob]

Mostly over my head without some lengthy study but I just noted in the first few words you have this word "notebookcalculates" which is of course just missing a space after notebook.

Yes, thanks, I know, but the space is there, its the pdf-producing backend that is "hiding" it, its very annoying.

[wayne.ct]

Basic AC Theory

I can only comment on this one document at this time because of the limits on my time. However, I do commend your efforts and hope I can continue this later.

The formulas (or formulae, if you prefer) are excellent for theory and general understanding, but you need to apply caution when using them. They are a model, a mathematical model, of how a circuit will behave, and you should expect the actual performance of any real circuit to vary from the theory, due to construction, experimental and measurement errors.

Nonetheless, models, formulas and theory are good and have their uses.

Now, to repeat, the formulae you have presented are simplified as compared to more complete and realistic models. For example, you have I = V/Rc, where Rc is the reactance of a capacitor. To properly model a capacitor one needs to include the resistance and inductance of the capacitor leads. Also, the internal losses and the characteristics of the dielectric. Each of these will have its o-so-subtle effect of the current. This causes the REAL I to be ever so (slightly) different from the calculated or THEORETICAL I.

Also, I might add, you need to consider the characteristics of the power source. Of special importance is the internal resistance of the power source. Also, the resistance of the hookup wiring.

This is why your summary statements in paragraphs 5 and 6 are misleading. Some would go so far as to say they are WRONG! If you don't believe this, do the experiment and see what happens! I give you this warning, however: Be prepared for something to go badly wrong. Protect yourself in case your experiment catches fire or explodes. You have been warned.

You have some knowledge, but some knowledge can be dangerous. Please be careful. I hope this is not new to you. This should be a warning, however, to others who have not studied these things.