Simple AC Circuits

Deutsche Version Version française

This Java applet shows a simple circuit consisting of an alternating voltage source and, depending on the selected radiobutton, a resistor (without inductivity), a capacitor or an ideal coil (without resistance). In addition there are meters for the voltage U (red) and the amperage I (blue).

Below the drawing of the circuit you see on the left a pointer diagram; it is possible to read the momentary oscillation phases from the position of the two pointers (voltage red, amperage blue). The projection of a pointer onto the horizontal axis corresponds to the momentary value of U respectively I. On the bottom right the dependence of voltage and amperage on the time is illustrated in a diagram.

The "Reset" button brings the circuit to its initial state. You can start or stop and continue the simulation with the other two buttons. If you choose the option "Slow Motion" the movement will be five times slower.

It is possible to vary the preselected values of frequency, maximal voltage and resistance respectively capacity or inductivity. After pressing the "Enter" key the program will indicate the new value of the maximal amperage.


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Source file (German version): WStromKreis.java