BasicB-005-012-011

What happens to current when a series RLC circuit is tuned to the frequency of the source?

C
Answer
Transmitters, receivers, and measurements
Type
A
It is limited by inductive reactance
B
It is limited by capacitive reactance
C
It reaches maximum
D
It reaches minimum

Answer Notes

When a series RLC (resistor-inductor-capacitor) circuit is tuned to the frequency of the source, it reaches a state of resonance. At this specific frequency, the inductive reactance and capacitive reactance perfectly cancel each other out. Because these opposing reactances neutralize, the total opposition to current flow (impedance) drops to its absolute minimum, leaving only the pure resistance of the circuit. According to Ohm's Law (I = E/R), when opposition is at its lowest, the current flowing through the circuit reaches its maximum. It is important to remember this applies to a series circuit. In a parallel resonant circuit, the opposite happens, and total impedance reaches its maximum, dropping the line current to a minimum.
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