IntermediateTopic 39 of 106Electrical Engineering

Phasors

Complex numbers representing amplitude and phase of sinusoids, turning calculus into algebra.

In depth

A sinusoid V_m cos(ωt+φ) is represented by the complex phasor V=V_m∠φ. Derivatives become jω multiplication, converting ODEs to algebra. Phasor diagrams show relative phase of voltages and currents in steady state.

Key points

  • Same frequency required
  • Use RMS or peak consistently
  • Rotating vectors
Example

v=10cos(ωt+30°) is 10∠30°.

Why it matters

Phasors turn sinusoidal analysis into algebra, which makes AC circuits as easy to solve as DC circuits.

Where this is used

  • Finding the current in an RL circuit driven by a 60 Hz supply.
  • Calculating the phase shift of a filter at one frequency.
  • Solving the voltages in an AC circuit with several reactive elements.

Frequently asked questions

What is Phasors?

Complex numbers representing amplitude and phase of sinusoids, turning calculus into algebra.

Why is it important to understand phasors?

Phasors turn sinusoidal analysis into algebra, which makes AC circuits as easy to solve as DC circuits.

What is a phasor?

A complex number representing the amplitude and phase of a sinusoid, with the time dependence handled implicitly.

When can I use phasors?

When the circuit is linear and driven at a single frequency, so all voltages and currents share that frequency.

How is Phasors used in practice?

Typical applications include finding the current in an RL circuit driven by a 60 Hz supply, calculating the phase shift of a filter at one frequency and solving the voltages in an AC circuit with several reactive elements.

What should I learn before Phasors?

Study "RMS value" first (topic 38 of 106 in Electrical Engineering). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.

What are the key points of Phasors?

Same frequency required. Use RMS or peak consistently. Rotating vectors.

Can you give an example of Phasors?

v=10cos(ωt+30°) is 10∠30°.

What comes after Phasors?

The next topic is "Impedance", which builds directly on this one.

How difficult is Phasors?

It is classed as Intermediate in Electrical Engineering (topic 39 of 106). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Electrical Engineering first.

Learning path

Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.

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