Which measurements are required to determine the phase angle of a single-phase circuit?

Learn the essentials for your FE Mechanical exam. Study with our questions and explanations, designed to prepare you thoroughly for exam day.

To determine the phase angle of a single-phase circuit, it is essential to know the relationship between power, voltage, and current. The phase angle, which indicates the time difference between the voltage and current waveforms, can be deduced from the power factor and the apparent power in the circuit.

In an AC circuit, power can be expressed in terms of real power (measured in watts), reactive power (related to inductance and capacitance), and apparent power (measured in volt-amperes). The phase angle is related to the cosine of the power factor, which is the ratio of real power to apparent power:

[

\text{Power Factor (PF)} = \frac{\text{Real Power (P)}}{\text{Apparent Power (S)}}

]

The phase angle (φ) can then be determined as:

[

\cos(φ) = \text{Power Factor}

]

This relationship shows that by measuring the power consumed (real power), along with voltage and current, you can calculate the phase angle. The voltage and current measurements provide the necessary information to find both the apparent power and the power factor, which is fundamental for determining the phase angle in the circuit.

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