resonant circuit
A student adjusts a variable capacitor in a resonant circuit on the lab bench.
Noun: A resonant circuit is an electrical circuit that combines components of capacitance (like a capacitor) and inductance (like a coil or inductor) in a specific configuration. This combination allows the circuit to resonate at a particular frequency, meaning it can store and transfer energy efficiently between the electric field (in the capacitor) and the magnetic field (in the inductor). When driven by a periodic electrical signal at its resonant frequency, the oscillation of voltage or current within the circuit will reach its maximum possible amplitude.
A resonant circuit is a fundamental concept in electronics and radio technology. It is used to select or generate specific frequencies. * The radio's tuner contains a resonant circuit to select the desired station's frequency. * Engineers adjusted the resonant circuit to maximize the power transfer at 1 MHz.
- "To tune a resonant circuit": To adjust the values of capacitance or inductance so that the circuit resonates at a desired target frequency.
- By turning the variable capacitor, you can tune the resonant circuit to a different station.
- "The resonant circuit is damped": Describes a circuit where energy loss (resistance) reduces the sharpness or amplitude of the resonance.
- Too much resistance in the coil damped the resonant circuit, broadening its frequency response.
- Tank Circuit (n): A common informal synonym for a parallel resonant circuit, as it can store energy like a tank.
- The oscillator's frequency is set by a parallel tank circuit.
- LC Circuit (n): A technical term for a resonant circuit, named for its primary components, the Inductor (L) and Capacitor (C).
- The simple LC circuit is a model for understanding resonance.
- Resonance (n): The phenomenon of maximum amplitude oscillation that occurs in a resonant circuit.
- The sharpness of the resonance depends on the circuit's quality factor.
- Tuned Circuit: A circuit adjusted to resonate at a specific frequency.
- LC Resonator: Emphasizes the components and the resonating function.
- Resonant Frequency (n): The specific frequency at which a resonant circuit oscillates with maximum amplitude.
- The resonant frequency is calculated using the values of the inductor and capacitor.
- Quality Factor (Q) (n): A measure of how underdamped a resonant circuit is; a higher Q indicates a sharper, more selective resonance.
- A crystal has a very high quality factor, making it excellent for precise frequency control.
A student adjusts a variable capacitor in a resonant circuit on the lab bench.
- an electrical circuit that combines capacitance and inductance in such a way that a periodic electric oscillation will reach maximum amplitude