Instantaneous Current Calculator:
Enter the values of maximum current, Im(A), angular frequency, w(rad/s) and time, t(s) to determine the value of Instantaneous current, It(A).
Instantaneous Current Formula:
Instantaneous current is the value of electric current at a specific moment in time within an electrical circuit.
It is particularly relevant in alternating current (AC) circuits, where the current varies continuously with time, unlike in direct current (DC) circuits, where the current remains constant.
The variation of instantaneous current in an AC circuit is often sinusoidal, reflecting a smooth, periodic oscillation.
Unlike direct current (DC), which flows steadily in one direction, AC current periodically reverses direction.
The sinusoidal nature of AC is due to the way AC generators work, producing voltage that varies in a sine wave pattern over time.
Instantaneous current is crucial for the analysis and design of AC circuits, providing insights into the behaviour of the current at any given time.
Instantaneous current, It(A) in amperes is calculated by the product of maximum current, Im(A) in amperes and sin of angular frequency, w(rad/s) in radians per second and time, t(s) in seconds.
Instantaneous current, It(A) = Im(A) * sin(w(rad/s) * t(s))
It(A) = instantaneous current in amperes, A.
Im(A) = maximum current in amperes, A.
w(rad/s) = angular frequency in radians per second, rad/s.
t(s) = time in seconds, s.
Instantaneous Current Calculation:
- Calculate the instantaneous current at time 0.01 seconds for an AC circuit with a maximum current of 5 amperes and an angular frequency of 314 radians per second.
Given: Im(A) = 5A, w(rad/s) = 314rad/s, t(s) = 0.01s.
Instantaneous current, It(A) = Im(A) * sin(w(rad/s) * t(s))
It(A) = 5 * sin(314 * 0.01)
It(A) = 5 * sin(3.14)
It(A) = 5 * 0
It(A) = 0.
- Given an instantaneous current of 3 amperes at 𝑡=0.005seconds and an angular frequency of 314 radians per second, calculate the peak current.
Given: It(A) = 3A, w(rad/s) = 314rad/s, t(s) = 0.005s.
Instantaneous current, It(A) = Im(A) * sin(w(rad/s) * t(s))
Im(A) = It(A) / sin(w(rad/s) * t(s))
Im(A) = 3 / sin(314 * 0.005)
Im(A) = 3 / sin(1.57)
Im(A) = 3 / 1
Im(A) = 3A.