Resonance in series and parallel RLC circuits

Y
Std. Asma’a Bassam Qasim

U Abdallah(1)

ABSTRACT
In this research paper , we discussed electrical circuits that include resistors, capacitors, and
inductors, whether connected to direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) sources. It
explains how these components function individually and in various configurations (such as
series and parallel circuits) and their effects on current and voltage. The concept of resonance
in electrical circuits is also covered, where a balance is achieved between inductive and
capacitive reactance at a specific frequency, known as the resonance frequency. This
phenomenon is crucial for practical applications like communication systems, radios, and
televisions, as it allows precise tuning and reception of desired signals.

1
Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Jordan.

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 INTRODUCTION
This introduction aims to Review the
combination of resistive, inductive, and
capacitive circuits and the concepts of
impedance, quality factor or 'Q', and
resonant circuits.

Element Symbol Unit

Voltage V volt
Current I ampere
Coulom
By applying Kirchhoff’s rule:
Charge Q
b
Resistance R ohm
q(t) dq
Inductance L henry ε −I (t)R− =0 Use eq : I =
c dt
Capacitanc
C farad dq(t ) q (t)
Circuits with DC voltage source.
e ε− R− =0
dt c

∎RC series circuit:

−t / RC
q (t)=qmax (1−e )
−t / RC
V (t )=V max (1−e )

Circuit that has both a resistor (R) and

ε −t / RC
Capacitor (C) the current may vary in
I (t)= e
R
time. The Capacitor is a device that
stores and transforms electric energy. The time needed or the charge to rise
The capacitor operation principle stores from zero to 63.2 % of its maximum is
the electric charge and, therefore, stores represented by the time constant τ =RC
electric energy for a periodic time
The energy stored in the charged
Charging a capacitor capacitor is
To charge a capacitor, we connect it to
two plates in a battery (Power Supply)
1 1 2
Qε= C ε
the battery charges one of the capacitor
2 2

plates with a positive charge and another

with a negative charge.
The charging process requires a period
during which the charge on the capacitor
grows after connecting it to the battery. (1)

The capacitor voltage increases

proportionally with the increase in the
charge on it.
When the capacitor potential difference V c
equal the Power supply Potential
difference ε the current will become zero
and the maximum Charge on the capacitor
equal q=Cε .

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Discharging a capacitor:
Is another concept in electronics when a
charged capacitor is connected to a
resistor it releases its stored energy over
time and the voltage across the capacitor
decreases. (2) ∎RL series circuit:
Type of electrical circuit that Consists of a
resistor (R) and an inductor (L) Connected
By applying Kirchhoff’s rule: in series or Parallel.
q (t) dq(t)
An inductor, also called a Coil, choke, or
I (t)R− =0 Use eq : I (t)=
reactor is a passive two-terminal electrical
c dt

component. that stores energy in a

dq(t) q (t)
R− =0
magnetic field when an electric current
dt c
flows through it.
An inductor typically consists of an
−t / RC
q (t)=qo e
the charge decreases exponentially . insulated wire wound into a Coil.

Inductance is a measure of a coil's ability

to establish an induced voltage as a result
−q o −t / RC
of a change in its current and that induced
I (t)= e
RC
At (t=0) the current is at its highest and voltage is in a direction to oppose the
as t gets closer to infinity it decays change in current.(3)
exponentially to zero.
the induced voltage (V L) is determined by
the Coil's inductance and the rate at which
−t / RC
V (t )=V o e
the Current Change over time
dI
dt

V L=L ( dIdt )

An RL Series circuit Changes from an open

state where no current flows to a closed
state where current Starts to flow when
the switch is closed. Several things happen
during this transition.

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At t=0 the inductor. opposes the sudden
shift in current. Inductors resist changes in
current by producing a voltage that
opposes the change.

The current slowly increases this growth is

exponential because the inductor gradually
Permits more current to Pass through it as
the magnetic field increases(4).

the voltage drop across the inductor is at

its greatest equal to the applied voltage ε
because the current changes rapidly.
As the current increases, the voltage ∎RLC series circuit:
across the inductor drops exponentially. When an RLC series circuit is connected to
a DC power source, its behavior transitions
at t → ∞ through two main phases. Initially, during
Eventually, the current through the the transient phase, the inductor opposes
inductor will become constant and the sudden change in current and acts as
fluctuate longer. an open circuit, while the capacitor starts
At this stage, the inductor behaves as a charging and behaves like a closed circuit.
short circuit with almost little voltage The current gradually increases
drop across it. exponentially, with the voltage across the
inductor decreasing over time and the
voltage across the capacitor increasing as
By applying Kirchhoff’s rule: it charges. In the steady-state phase, the
dI (t) inductor eventually behaves like a closed
circuit (a wire), and the capacitor acts as
ε −I (t)R−L =0
an open circuit, preventing current from
dt

flowing through it. At this point, the circuit

ε −Rt / L L
I (t)= (1−e )→ ∴ τ=
current is determined solely by the
R R

resistor, while the voltage across the

dI − Rt / L

capacitor equals the supply voltage. Once

V L=L →∴ V (t )=ε e
dt
a steady state is reached, the inductor and
capacitor stabilize, and their behaviors no
longer affect the overall current flow.(5)

By applying Kirchhoff’s rule:

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 These equations have two components to
solve. The first part is the solution to the
dI ( t )
Use eq :V R =I ( t ) R , V L=L
homogeneous equation, and the second
dt

part deals with the non-homogeneous side.

q (t) dq (t)
These two parts are combined to form the
V C= , I (t)=
C dt
complete solution.(6)
dI (t) q (t)
ε −I (t)R−L − =0
dt C
2
dq(t ) d q (t) q (t)
R +L 2
+ =ε
dt dt C
* The first part is the solution to the
homogeneous equation (q C (t)):
2
d q (t) dq (t) q (t)
L 2
+R + =0
dt dt C

Multiply both sides of the equation by

L.
2
d q (t) R dq(t ) q(t)
+ + =0
d t2 L dt LC

* The second part is the solution to the non-

R q(t)
q̈ (t)+ q̇ (t)+ =0
homogeneous equation (q p (t)):
L LC

Letω o=
1 2 Let q=G , Constant , q̇=0 , q̈=0
, q̈ (t )=D , q̇ (t)=D , q (t)=1
√ LC R 2
q̈ (t)+ q̇ (t)+ω o q(t )=ε
2 R 2 L
D + D+ω o =0 2
L 0+ 0+ω o G=ε

√
2 ε ε
−R R ∴ G= 2 →q p (t)= 2
∝ , β= ± −ω o2 ωo ωo
2L 4L
2

Letγ = The complete solution:

R

1- γ <ω o → Under damped

2L 2 2

√
2
R
∝=−γ + 2
−ω o2 −γt
q C (t)=e (C 1 cos (ωt )+C2 sin(ωt))+
ε
4L ωo
2

β=−γ −
R2
2

Three cases:
4L √
−ωo2 2- γ >ω o
2 2 →
damped
ε
1- γ <ω o
∝t βt
2 2
q C (t)= A e + B e + 2
ωo
Letω= ω o −γ √ 3- γ =ω o → Critical damped
2 2 2 2

−γt
q C (t)=e (C 1 cos (ωt )+C2 sin(ωt)) ∝t ε

2- γ >ω o
q C (t)= ( D t +B ) e + 2
2 2 ωo
∝t βt
q C (t)= A e + B e
3- γ =ω o
2 2

∝t
q C (t)= ( D t + E ) e
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 The total resistance to current flow in

Circuits with AC voltage source.

Impedance Z
Measured in ohm's, is the total opposition
to electric current in AC circuits
consisting of resistance and either
inductive or capacitive reactance.
this circuit is impedance (Z) which comes
In these circuits, impedance can't be both
from combining resistance (R) and
inductive and capacitive at the same time
capacitive reactance ( X C )
Inductive reactance causes the current to
lag behind the voltage while capacitive
reactance causes the current to lead the
1 1
voltage
XC= =
ωC 2π f C

Therefore, the circuit's nature, whether

inductive or capacitive, depends on how
it affects the relationship between
current and voltage.(7) This diagram illustrates the relationship
between impedance (Z), resistance (R)
and capacitive reactance ( X C ).
∎RC series circuit:
In an RC series circuit, a pure capacitor
and resistor are connected in series
across an AC voltage Supply.
Z=√ R 2+ X C 2
The same current flowing in resistance
and capacitance also the voltage dropped
across the resistor is "in Phase" with the 1
current whereas the voltage across the
XC=
capacitor lags the current by 90° which
2πf C

makes the circuit capacitive in nature.(8)

XC
tanθ=
R

This voltage phasor diagram shows the

relationship between the voltage drops
across the resistor (V R), the Capacitor (
V C ) and the total supply voltage (V S )

2 2 2
V S =V R +V C

V S =√ V R 2+V C 2
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 , V S =√ V R 2+V C 2
2 2 2
V S =V R +V C

∎RL series circuit:

The current flowing through both the In an RL circuit, the opposition to current
resistor and the indicator is equal this flow is a combination of resistance and
current causes a voltage drop across inductive reactance the total impedance
the resistor due to its resistance, (Z) in an AC circuit depends on the value
similarly to the inductor causes a of both resistance (R) and inductive
voltage drop due to its inductive reactance ( X L) as well as the phase angle
reactance ( X L). between them.(6)
The voltage dropped across the
X L =ω L=2 π f L
resistor is "in Phase with current
This figure shows the relationship
whereas the voltage dropped across
between resistance (R), inductive
the inductor leads the current by 90°.
(9) reactance ( X L ¿ and impedance (Z).

Z=√ R 2+ X L2

X L =2 π f L
XL
tanθ=
R

∎RLC series circuit:

An RLC Series circuit is a type of an

electrical circuit that consists of a
resistor, an inductor, and a capacitor
Connected in series with alternating
voltages.

The Voltage drops across the resistor (R),

inductor (L) and Capacitor (C) will be out
of phase with each other.

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 If X C > X L the circuit behaves capacitively.
Conversely, if X L > X C the circuit behaves
inductively. When X L =X C the circuit
reaches its resonant frequency, Causing
resonance.

The voltage across a pure resistor (V R) is

"in Phase" with current the voltage
across a pure inductor (V L) leads the
current by 90° , and the voltage across a ∎RLC parallel circuit:
pure capacitor (V C ) lags the current by
90° Therefore V L, and V C are 180° out of An RLC parallel circuit consists of a
phase and in opposition to each other(10). resistor (R), inductor (L), and capacitor
This figure shows. a Phasor diagram for a (C) All connected in parallel to each other
series RLC circuit. and into an AC power source.
2 2 2
V S =V R +(V L−V C )
V S =√ V R 2+(V L−V C )2
i(t)=I max sin (ωt )
V R=iR sin ( ωt )
V L=i X L sin ( ωt +90 )
V C =i X C sin(ωt−90)

In this circuit, each component has a

different current flowing through it,
which together form the total current.
Instead of simply adding these currents,
we use their vector sum, considering
their phase angles with respect to the
common voltage.

To analyze this, we use the phasor

The impedance (Z) Varies with the diagram where the voltage is the
angular frequency (ω ) just like the reference and we plot the current vectors
inductive reactance ( X L) and capacitive accordingly by combining these vectors.
reactance ( X C ) We find the total current and its phase
angle relative to the voltage this method
helps us understand the circuit’s behavior
at different frequencies.(7)
2 2
Z=R +( X L −X C )

√
2
21
Z= R +( −ω L)
ωC

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 √( ) (
1 2
)
2
1 1 1
= + −
Z R XL XC

√ 2
Y = G + ( B L−BC )
2

√ ( )
2
1
Y = G2 + −ωC
ωL
1
where : BL = , B =ωC
2 2 2 ωL C
I S =I R +(I L −I C )
I S= √ I R 2+(I L −I C )2
tan∅ =
B
,∅ =tan−1
B
( )
√( )
2 2
V V V V G G
= +( − )
Z R X L XC
V V V
where : I R = , I L= ,I =
R X L C XC

∎Series & parallel resonance circuit:

Impedance of a Parallel RLC circuit
In a series RLC circuit, there is a specific
frequency at which the inductive
In this circuit each branch has its reactance of the inductor equals the
complex impedance, the reciprocal of this capacitive reactance of the capacitor
impedance is known as admittance and X L =X C .
symbolized is calculated as (1/ Z ).
Admittance is now measured in Siemens (
S) formerly called ohm’s (℧ ).
which ohms spelled backward(8)
the reciprocal of resistance is called
conductance (G ), G=1 /R
and reciprocal of reactance is called
susceptance ( B)
Capacitive susceptance ( BC )= 1/ X C
Inductive susceptance ( BL ) = 1/ X L

The impedance is at its lowest and is

equal to only the resistance Z= R. This
minimum
impedance is known as dynamic
impedance
V V V
where : R= , X L= , X C =
IR IL IC

When X L =X C the point where the two

1
Z=
curves intersect Is called the resonance
√( ) (
1 2 1
)
2
1
frequency (f )
+ −
R X L XC
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 1 2 1 V
2
V
2
R
X L =X C →2 πfL= →f = 2 Pavg =I
2 rms rms
2 πfC rms R= R=
4 π LC Z
2 2
R +(X L −X C )
2

 rms stands for root mean square

1 1

 Irms = 0.707 Imax

f r= ∨ωr =
2 π √ LC √ LC
 Vrms = 0.707 Vmax
.
Using the forms of inductive reactance
and capacitive reactance, the term
involving them can be expressed in terms
of frequency.

( )
2 2
2 1 L 2 2 2
(X L −X C ) = ωL− = 2 (ω −ωr )
ωC ω
Where use has been made of the resonant
frequency expression:
1
ω r=
√ LC
Substitution now gives the expression for
average power as a function of
frequency(10).
2 2
V rms Rω
Pavg =
The current is equal to the voltage
2 2 2 2 2 2
R ω + L ( ω −ω r )
divided by the impedance.
At the resonance point, this impedance is
at its lowest matching the resistance as a
result the current in the circuit reaches
its highest value which( I max=V /R )(9) The bandwidth of a system refers to the
range of frequencies where the current or
output voltage remains at least 70.7% of
its maximum value at
the resonant frequency, this range is
called bandwidth (BW)(11)

Power in a Series Resonant Circuit

The average power dissipated in a series
resonant circuit can be expressed in
terms of the rms voltage and current as
follows:
The frequencies f L and f H are known as
the lower cut-off frequency and upper

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cut-off frequency respectively, where the
current is 0.707 times its resonance value Where:
the unit of BW is Hertz HZ.
1 2 1
BW =f L – f H X L =X C →2 πfL= →f = 2
2 πfC 4 π LC

Quality factor:
1 1
f r= ∨ωr =
The quality factor Q factor is a measure of
2 π √ LC √ LC
how sharp or selective the resonance is it
indicates how efficiently the circuit stores 1. Maximum Impedance at
energy compared to how much energy is Resonance: The impedance is at its
lost over each cycle of oscillation in highest at the resonant frequency.
simple terms, a higher Q factor the circuit 2. Minimum Current at Resonance:
has a sharper peak at the resonant The total current in the circuit is at its
frequency and narrower bandwidth lowest at the resonant frequency.
making it more selective for a specific
3. Bandwidth: The bandwidth is the
frequency range
same as in series resonant circuits;
critical frequencies occur where the
fr fr
impedance is 0.707 times the
Q= =
BW ( f L – f H )
maximum impedance.
4. Current Behaviour: At resonance,
the impedance is at its peak, and the
current is minimized, ideally to zero.

High Q factor: Indicate a narrow

bandwidth and sharp resonance peak the
circuit is very selective allowing only a
narrow range of frequencies to pass
through.
5. Phase Angle: The phase angle is
zero at resonance, meaning voltage
Low Q factor: indicates a wider
and current are in phase.
bandwidth and less sharp resonance the
circuit is less selective allowing a broader 6. Current in Inductor and Capacitor:
range of frequencies to pass.(12l The currents in the inductor and
capacitor branches are equal in
magnitude but 180° out of phase,
For parallel resonant circuits
canceling each other out at
In a parallel RLC circuit, there is a
resonance.
specific frequency at which the inductive
reactance of the inductor equals the 7. Critical Frequencies: These are the
capacitive reactance of the X L =X C . frequencies just above and below
resonance where the circuit's
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 response is 70.7% of its maximum stations, each with a different
response. frequency. A resonant circuit, which
8. Cutoff Frequencies: Also known as - includes an inductor and a capacitor,
3dB frequencies or critical can focus on one specific frequency by
frequencies. adjusting to match the desired
9. Quality Factor (Q): A higher Q broadcast signal. This tuning is
results in a narrower bandwidth. usually done by changing parts of the
circuit like a variable capacitor or
inductor, allowing users to "tune into"
specific stations.
Once the correct frequency is chosen,
the resonant circuit amplifies the
signal to make it strong enough for
further use. Then, the amplified signal
is converted to audio for radio or
video for TV, ready for playback.
Resonance circuits provide excellent
selectivity by filtering out unwanted
frequencies, reducing interference,
and enhancing sensitivity to weak
signals. This ensures clear and stable
reception, making resonant circuits
essential for communication and
broadcasting.

∎ Application of resonance circuit:

*Radio and Television Receivers*
Resonance circuits are key
components in radio and television
receivers, helping them select and
process the correct broadcast
frequencies. When an antenna
catches electromagnetic waves, it
picks up signals from multiple
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References:

Physics for scientists and engineers

with modern physics
Raymond A. Serway
Robert J. Beichner
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Fifth edition

Fundamental of physics
Jearl walker
10’th edition

Physics for scientists and engineers

with modern physics
Raymond A. Serway
John W. Jewett
10th Edition

Introduction to mathematical physics

Nabil. M. Laham
Nabil. Y. Ayoub
Third edition

Principles of Electric Circuits

Conventional Current Version
Thomas L. Floyd
Ninth edition

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