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Phasors and Phasor Diagrams

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Estimated time: 5 minutes
CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

Alternating current (AC) and voltage vary sinusoidally with time and generally share the same frequency, but they are not always in phase. This "out-of-step" behaviour is called phase difference, and it plays a key role in circuits containing resistors, inductors, and capacitors.

Understanding phase relationships lets engineers and students simplify complex AC circuit calculations with simple geometric tools called phasors, instead of repeatedly solving trigonometric equations.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Phasor

A phasor is a rotating vector that represents a sinusoidally varying quantity (like AC voltage or current). Its length represents the peak (maximum) value, and its angular position represents the instantaneous phase.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Phasor Diagram

A phasor diagram is a diagrammatic representation of two or more phasors of the same frequency, drawn to show their relative phase difference at a given instant.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Phase Difference

The angle by which one alternating quantity (current or voltage) leads or lags another of the same frequency.

CISCE: Class 12

Phase Relationship Between Current and Voltage

  • Current Lagging Voltage: Current reaches its maximum value after voltage does. This typically occurs in inductive circuits.
  • Current Leading Voltage: Current reaches its maximum value before voltage does. This typically occurs in capacitive circuits.
  • In Phase: Current and voltage reach maximum values simultaneously. This occurs in purely resistive circuits.
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