Which parameter affects the frequency of an AC signal?

Which parameter affects the frequency of an AC signal?

• A. The resistance in the circuit
• B. The inductance and capacitance in the circuit
• C. The voltage level of the signal
• D. The phase angle of the signal

Answer: (B)

The frequency of an AC signal is fundamentally determined by the inductance and capacitance present in a circuit. This can be understood through the principles of resonance in RLC (Resistor-Inductor-Capacitor) circuits. In such circuits, the interaction between inductors and capacitors creates a resonant frequency, at which the circuit naturally oscillates. When an inductor is present, it opposes changes in current flow, while a capacitor stores energy in the form of an electric field and opposes changes in voltage. The combination of these two components leads to a specific relationship that defines the frequency of oscillation in the circuit. The formula for the resonant frequency \( f_0 \) of a simple RLC circuit is given by: \[ f_0 = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{LC}} \] where \( L \) is the inductance and \( C \) is the capacitance. This indicates that frequency is inversely proportional to the square root of the product of inductance and capacitance, highlighting their critical role in determining frequency characteristics. On the other hand, factors such as resistance primarily affect how signals decay over time through energy dissipation but do not directly change the frequency of the

The frequency of an AC signal is fundamentally determined by the inductance and capacitance present in a circuit. This can be understood through the principles of resonance in RLC (Resistor-Inductor-Capacitor) circuits. In such circuits, the interaction between inductors and capacitors creates a resonant frequency, at which the circuit naturally oscillates.

When an inductor is present, it opposes changes in current flow, while a capacitor stores energy in the form of an electric field and opposes changes in voltage. The combination of these two components leads to a specific relationship that defines the frequency of oscillation in the circuit. The formula for the resonant frequency ( f_0 ) of a simple RLC circuit is given by:

[

f_0 = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{LC}}

]

where ( L ) is the inductance and ( C ) is the capacitance. This indicates that frequency is inversely proportional to the square root of the product of inductance and capacitance, highlighting their critical role in determining frequency characteristics.

On the other hand, factors such as resistance primarily affect how signals decay over time through energy dissipation but do not directly change the frequency of the