parallel circuit?

Question

In a parallel RC circuit, does the current in the capacitive branch lead or lag the supply voltage?

Answer 1

Lead

Answer 2

For a capacitor, the current will always lead the voltage by 90 degrees. This comes from the current/voltage relationship of a capacitor. (I = C*dV/dt) If the voltage is a cosine wave, the derivative of cos is a sine wave. The sine wave lags the cosine by 90 degrees.

To find the combined phase angle of the RC circuit, you should draw a phasor diagram of the capacitor current (+90 degree phase angle, and yes this is a lag because the phasors rotate clockwise on the graph.) and resistor current (zero phase angle). Just add the two current vectors to get the combined current magnitude and phase angle. Or use complex algebra to solve.

Answer 3

electric powered engineers often draw a chain of circuit diagrams the position they combine resistors (in sequence or in parallel) to obtain equivalent resistors then repeat the approach till all equivalent resistors are chanced on. This often facilitates present day to be calculated with the help of one or extra resistors ensuing in calculations of voltage drops. Electrons go with the help of wires and resistors like water flows with the help of pipes and valves. If resistors are in sequence the resistances upload as a lot as a larger cost. If resistors are in parallel, there are 2 or extra conceivable paths for bypass and the equivalent resistance will be below that in and one branch.