The series RLC circuit

Abstract

In this chapter we introduce a mathematical model for the series RLC circuit and then we apply the results obtained for the harmonic oscillator in the previous chapter to write its solution. An RLC circuit, apart from an electric generator, consists of three important electrical elements: a capacitor which stores energy in an electric field, an inductor that stores energy in a magnetic field, and a resistor that does not store energy but rather dissipates it as heat. Three physical parameters define the electric behavior of these elements: capacitance, inductance and resistance. We introduce important concepts as electrical impedance, resonance, active power, and reactive power.