Capacitive reactance and AC magnitude: A 12 kHz sinusoidal voltage is applied to a 0.33 µF capacitor, and the measured rms current is 200 mA. Determine the rms voltage magnitude across the capacitor.
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A8 V
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B80 V
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C80 mV
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D800 mV
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E
Answer
Correct Answer: 8 V
Explanation
Introduction / Context:In AC analysis, the magnitude of a capacitor’s impedance is given by its reactance Xc, which depends on frequency and capacitance. With known current and reactance, the voltage magnitude follows Ohm’s law for AC magnitudes: V = I * Xc.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- f = 12 kHz.
- C = 0.33 µF.
- Irms = 200 mA = 0.200 A.
- Pure capacitive branch; ignore series resistance.
Concept / Approach:Capacitive reactance: Xc = 1 / (2 * pi * f * C). Then Vrms = Irms * Xc. Keep units consistent (Hz, farads, amperes).
Step-by-Step Solution:C = 0.33 µF = 0.33 * 10^-6 FXc = 1 / (2 * pi * 12,000 * 0.33 * 10^-6)Xc ≈ 40.19 Ω (approximate)Vrms = Irms * Xc = 0.200 * 40.19 ≈ 8.04 VRounded to the nearest option: 8 V
Verification / Alternative check:Proportional reasoning: A larger capacitance or frequency would reduce Xc and therefore reduce Vrms for a fixed current. The computed value is consistent with typical magnitudes for these parameters.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 80 V: Ten times too large; would require Xc ≈ 400 Ω at 0.2 A.
- 800 mV and 80 mV: Too small by factors of 10 and 100 relative to the computed 8 V.
Common Pitfalls:Forgetting to convert microfarads to farads or miscalculating 2 * pi * f * C. Also, do not confuse peak and rms values; the problem is clearly rms-based.
Final Answer:8 V