AC Circuits (Theory)

These flashcards cover key concepts related to AC circuits, including inductance, resistance, circuit types, and their behaviors in electrical engineering.

Inductance

The property of an electrical conductor by which a change in current induces an electromotive force (emf) in the conductor itself.

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms (Ω).

R-L Circuits

AC circuits that consist of resistance (R) and inductance (L).

Inductive Reactance (XL)

The opposition to the change of current by an inductor in an AC circuit, measured in ohms (Ω).

Capacitive Reactance (XC)

The opposition to the change of voltage by a capacitor in an AC circuit, measured in ohms (Ω).

Purely Resistive Circuit

An AC circuit with resistance only, where current and voltage waveforms are in phase.

Purely Inductive Circuit

An AC circuit consisting only of inductors, where current lags voltage by 90 degrees.

Purely Capacitive Circuit

An AC circuit consisting only of capacitors, where current leads voltage by 90 degrees.

Maximum Values

The peak values of current and voltage in an AC circuit.

RMS Values

Root Mean Square values, which represent the effective value of an AC signal.

Phase Difference

The difference in phase angle between the voltage and current in an AC circuit, which varies by type of circuit.