1. What is Circuit Phase Angle?

The phase angle (φ) in electrical circuits represents the phase difference between voltage and current in AC circuits. It indicates whether the circuit is predominantly inductive or capacitive and determines the power factor of the system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the phase angle formula:

Where:

• \( \phi \) — Phase angle in radians
• \( X \) — Reactance in ohms (Ω)
• \( R \) — Resistance in ohms (Ω)

Explanation: The formula calculates the angle whose tangent is the ratio of reactance to resistance. This angle represents the phase shift between voltage and current waveforms.

3. Importance of Phase Angle Calculation

Details: Phase angle calculation is crucial for understanding power factor, analyzing AC circuit behavior, designing filters, and optimizing power transmission efficiency in electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter reactance and resistance values in ohms (Ω). Both values must be positive and non-zero. The calculator provides results in both radians and degrees for convenience.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a positive phase angle indicate?
A: A positive phase angle indicates an inductive circuit where current lags behind voltage.

Q2: What does a negative phase angle indicate?
A: A negative phase angle indicates a capacitive circuit where current leads voltage.

Q3: What is the range of possible phase angles?
A: Phase angles range from -90° to +90° (-π/2 to +π/2 radians) for passive circuits.

Q4: How does phase angle relate to power factor?
A: Power factor = cos(φ), where φ is the phase angle. A phase angle of 0° gives unity power factor.

Q5: When is phase angle calculation most important?
A: Critical in power systems analysis, motor control, filter design, and any application involving AC power quality and efficiency.