LC circuit

Definition

An LC circuit is a type of electrical circuit consisting of an inductor (L) and a capacitor (C) connected together. It is used to produce oscillations at its resonant frequency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The natural frequency of an LC circuit is given by $f_0 = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{LC}}$.
2. In an ideal LC circuit, there is no resistance, and energy oscillates between the inductor and capacitor indefinitely.
3. The maximum charge on the capacitor and the maximum current through the inductor occur at different times within one oscillation cycle.
4. The total energy in an LC circuit is conserved, alternating between the electric field of the capacitor and the magnetic field of the inductor.
5. The phase difference between voltage across and current through the components in an LC circuit can be described using phasor diagrams.

Review Questions

• What is the formula for calculating the resonant frequency of an LC circuit?
• Explain how energy conservation works in an ideal LC circuit.
• What happens to the charge on the capacitor when current through the inductor is at its maximum?

Related terms

Inductor:

A passive electrical component that stores energy in its magnetic field.

Capacitor:

A passive electrical component that stores energy in its electric field.

Resonance:

A condition where a system oscillates with greater amplitude at a specific frequency known as its natural frequency.