Understanding AC Circuits

Unit 3

Resistance, Inductance, and Capacitance in AC Circuits

Alternating current electronic circuits are similar in many ways to direct current (dc) circuits. AC circuits are classified by their electric characteristics (resistive, inductive, or capacitive). All electronic ac circuits are resistive, inductive, capacitive, or a combination of these characteristics. The operation of each type of electronic circuit is different. The nature of ac causes certain circuit properties to exist.

Unit Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Define and calculate impedance.

2. Draw diagrams that illustrate the phase relation between current and voltage in a capacitive circuit.

3. Define capacitive reactance.

4. Solve problems using the ...