Circuit Analysis: Current Angle

[111R]

In a circuit with multiple series capacitive and inductive reactances, does the phase angle of the current remain the same throughout the entire circuit? I understand that the angle of the voltage at two different buses will vary and determine the amount of real power transferred between the two. But, will the current waveform have any shift in phase angle if the waveforms at two different buses are compared?

 

[davidbeach]

The current that goes into a node is the current that comes out of the node. The current out of any component is the current into that component. It doesn't matter how many two terminal nodes and components you string together, current out is the same as current in.

 

[tinfoil]

WITHIN the circuit, if you have branches, then the current vectors in each branch can be different.

If the circuit is just one 'loop' with everything in series, then, as David points out, with only two connections to each node, the current vectors (magnitude and direction/angle)are the same.

 

[111R]

Thanks, that makes sense!

 

[efmaster]

If there are capacitive and inductive reactances, angle will NOT remain same.
On capacitor current take 90 degree lead to voltage, on coil current will get 90 degree lag to voltage.

 

[davidbeach]

The voltages will change, the current won't.

 

[jghrist]

Note that the capacitance is a series capacitance, not a shunt capacitance.