Circuit Theory and Analysis Flashcards

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) is based on the principle of conservation of:

Answer: Energy

KVL states the algebraic sum of voltages around any closed loop is zero, which is a consequence of conservation of energy.

The Q factor of a series resonant circuit is best described as the ratio of:

Answer: Reactance to resistance at resonance

Q = XL/R (or XC/R) at resonance, representing how selective or sharp the resonant peak is.

In mesh analysis, a mesh current is assumed to flow:

Answer: Around a single loop (mesh) in one direction

Mesh analysis assigns a circulating current to each independent loop (mesh) and writes KVL equations for each.

A purely capacitive circuit has a phase relationship where current:

Answer: Leads voltage by 90°

In a purely capacitive circuit, current leads the voltage by 90° because the capacitor charges in response to voltage changes.

Norton's equivalent current (IN) is found by:

Answer: Short-circuiting the load terminals and calculating current

Norton current is the short-circuit current that flows through the terminals when they are directly connected (shorted).

The bandwidth (BW) of a series RLC resonant circuit is calculated as:

Answer: BW = R/L

Bandwidth BW = R/L (in rad/s) for a series RLC circuit, representing the frequency range between the half-power points.

When applying the superposition theorem, independent voltage sources that are 'turned off' are replaced by:

Answer: Short circuits

An ideal voltage source set to zero volts has no voltage drop, acting as a short circuit (wire) in the circuit.