At resonance, what is the characteristic of the current flow in a series R-L-C circuit?

Study for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Element 3 Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam today!

At resonance in a series R-L-C circuit, the current reaches its maximum value. This phenomenon occurs because, at resonance, the inductive reactance (XL) and capacitive reactance (XC) are equal in magnitude but opposite in phase, effectively canceling each other out. As a result, the impedance of the circuit is minimized to just the resistance (R).

When the impedance is at its lowest, it allows for the maximum current to flow through the circuit for a given voltage applied. This is similar to how a water pipe allows the most flow when it is least restricted. Therefore, at resonance, with the impedance minimized, the current is maximized, leading to greater energy transfer and efficiency in the circuit.

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