What does this voltmeter measure?

In summary, the phase difference between the voltages across the inductor and capacitor in a series circuit is \pi. Since the overall effective voltage is 1, the voltage on the capacitor must be 2V to be in phase with the overall voltage.
  • #1
Granger
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7

Homework Statement


Consider the following circuit where i(t) is sinusoidal and exists across both components. (1) is an inductor and (2) is a capacitor. The ideal voltmeters measure effective value. What is the value measured by V2:

[![enter image description here][1]][1] [1]: https://i.stack.imgur.com/d7OfJ.png
upload_2018-1-25_10-3-31.png


The correct answer should be 2V

Homework Equations


3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B]

My attempt.
I know we can only apply KVL using phasors. The current phasor should be $$Ie^{j\theta}$$

The voltage across the inductor is $$\omega LIe^{j(\theta+\pi/2)}=V_1e^{j(\theta+\pi/2)}$$
The voltage across the capacitor is $$\frac{I}{\omega C}e^{j(\theta+-\pi/2)}=V_2e^{j(\theta-\pi/2)}$$

And the voltage across both components $$(\omega L-\frac{1}{\omega C})Ie^{j(\theta+-\pi/2)}=Ve^{j(\theta+\pi/2)}$$

And so applying KVL we get to

$$Ve^{j(\theta+\pi/2)}=V_1e^{j(\theta+\pi/2)}+V_2e^{j(\theta-\pi/2)}$$
$$Ve^{j\pi/2)}=V_1e^{j(\pi/2)}+V_2e^{j(-\pi/2)}$$

And dividing everything by $$\sqrt{2}$$

$$V_{eff}e^{j\pi/2)}=V_{1eff}e^{j(\pi/2)}+V_{2eff}e^{j(-\pi/2)}$$

Substituting by the known values

$$1e^{j\pi/2)}=1e^{j(\pi/2)}+V_{2eff}e^{j(-\pi/2)}$$
$$0=V_{2eff}e^{j(-\pi/2)}$$

And so $$V_{2eff}=0$$.

However the correct answer should be +2V.

Can someone help me to figure out my mistake? It's probably a conceptual mistake. Thanks!
 

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  • #2
Instead of the lengthy mathemtical approach, why not try the phasor approach?
Draw the phasor diagram of the circuit.
What is the phase difference between VL and Vc in a series circuit?
 
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  • #3
cnh1995 said:
Instead of the lengthy mathemtical approach, why not try the phasor approach?
Draw the phasor diagram of the circuit.
What is the phase difference between VL and Vc in a series circuit?

Hi!
Oh yes that's the better approach, I didn't thought about it, thanks!
The phase difference between the voltages across the inductor and the capacitor is \pi.
Since the overall effective voltage is 1 that leaves us with two options: the voltage on the capacitor is zero (this is the case when the overall voltage and the inductor voltage are on phase) or the voltage on the capacitor is 2V (and then the overall voltage is on phase with the capacitor voltage). Since the capacitance is not zero we go with the second option.
Is that right?
 
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  • #4
Granger said:
Since the capacitance is not zero we go with the second option.
Is that right?
Yes.
 
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Related to What does this voltmeter measure?

What does this voltmeter measure?

This voltmeter measures the voltage or potential difference between two points in an electrical circuit.

How does a voltmeter work?

A voltmeter works by measuring the amount of electrical energy or potential difference between two points in a circuit. It does this by connecting to the circuit and displaying the voltage on a scale.

What are the units of measurement for a voltmeter?

The units of measurement for a voltmeter are volts (V) or millivolts (mV). In some cases, it may also measure in kilovolts (kV).

Can a voltmeter measure current?

No, a voltmeter measures voltage or potential difference, not current. To measure current, a separate instrument called an ammeter is needed.

Why is it important to use a voltmeter?

A voltmeter is important because it allows us to measure and monitor the voltage in a circuit. This helps us to ensure that the circuit is functioning correctly and to identify any potential issues or malfunctions.

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