Day 10

EAL RETK – 004

Electrical and electronic principles
Reactance, Waveforms & Oscilloscope
Aim:

To have an overview of Reactance,

waveforms and use of Oscilloscopes in
relation to AC Theory*

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 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of session you should be able to:-

• Solve simple reactance equations.

• Understand and explain the principles of Reactance.

• Solve complex equations involving Inductive and

capacitive reactance.

• Briefly Explain how Oscilloscopes are used for

measurements in AC circuits.*

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 Questions?

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Reactance:
AC circuits = 3 types of loads

Resistive

Capacitive

Inductive

Commonly referred to as RCL circuits

Each type effects the phase angle relationship between the voltage and
current*

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Resistive Loads:
Current & Voltage are IN PHASE

Opposition to current = Resistance (R)

Current = Voltage ÷ Resistance (Ohm’s law)*

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Inductive Loads:
Current Lags the Voltage (CIVIL)

Opposition to current = Inductive Reactance (XL)

Current = Voltage ÷ Inductive Reactance (Ohm’s law)

XL is directly proportional to frequency

XL = 2πfL Ohms*

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Capacitive Loads:
Current Leads the Voltage (CIVIL)
Opposition to current = Capacitive Reactance (XC)

Current = Voltage ÷ Capacitive Reactance (Ohm’s law)

XC is inversely proportional to frequency

𝟏
𝑿𝑪 = 𝟐𝝅𝒇𝑪 𝑶𝒉𝒎𝒔*

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Combination Loads (LC):
XL & XC are opposite hence add algebraically

Total Reactance (X) = (XL – XC or XC - XL) big minus small

Resultant circuit is either Inductive or Capacitive

Current = Voltage ÷ Reactance (Ohm’s law)*

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Combination Loads (LCR):
Total opposition to current flow = Impedance (Z) Ohms

Current = Voltage ÷ Impedance (Ohm’s law)

Impedance is calculated by use of Pythagoras

𝒁= 𝑹𝟐 + 𝑿𝑳 − 𝑿𝑪 𝟐 Ohms

(XL-XC) its always big minus small

When XL = XC Z=R *

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Power in AC circuits:

Peak Power = Vpk * Ipk Watts

𝑉𝑝𝑘∗𝐼𝑝𝑘
Average Power = Peak Power ÷ 2 = watts
2

𝑽𝒑𝒌∗𝑰𝒑𝒌
RMS Power = (0.707 = 1 ÷ √2)*
𝟐

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Types of Load
Power in AC circuits depends on type of load

True power measured in Watts (W)

Reactive Power measured in Volts Amps Reactive (VAR)

Apparent Power measured in Volt Amps (VA)*

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True power:
Real Current is in Phase with Voltage (Resistive Loads)

True Power = V*Ireal Watts*

True Power = V*Iactual Cos θ Watts*

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Reactive power
current component that leads or lags the supply voltage by 90 deg is called
the Reactive or wattless Power

Reactive Power = V*Ireactive VAr

Reactive Power = V*Iactual Sin θ VAr*

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Apparent power:
Apparent Power = V * Iactual volt amps
Generators are rated in VA or KVA*

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Power Factor
power factor = angle between load current & supply voltage
Power factor = Cosϴ
power factor = R ÷ Z
Power factor = true power ÷ apparent power*

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Energy
electrical energy = Power*Time = P*t Joules*

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Questions?

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 Oscilloscopes
commonly referred to as Oscopes

Oscopes provide a visual display of what is being measured

A visual display of an electrical signal changing over time

Inputs and outputs at various stages of a circuit can be measured

Amplitude controlled by vertical controls

Time controlled by horizontal controls

Twin channels allow sampling of two waves ie i/p v o/p*

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Questions?

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Aim Review:

You should now have an overview of

Reactance, waveforms and use of
Oscilloscopes in relation to AC Theory

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 Learning Outcomes Review:

You should be able to:-

• Solve simple reactance equations.

• Understand and explain the principles of Reactance.

• Solve complex equations involving Inductive and

capacitive reactance.

• Briefly Explain how Oscilloscopes are used for

measurements in AC circuits.

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 Assessment:

You should now be able to:-

• Complete the Assignment RETK-004D

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