Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E5A
E5A02E5A

What is the resonant frequency of an RLC circuit if R is 22 ohms, L is 50 microhenries, and C is 40 picofarads?

Deep Dive: E5A02

The correct answer is C: 3.56 MHz. What is the resonant frequency of an RLC circuit if R is 22 ohms, L is 50 microhenries, and C is 40 picofarads is 3.56 MHz. f = 1/(2π√(LC)) = 1/(2π√(50×10^-6 × 40×10^-12)) ≈ 3.56 MHz. For amateur radio operators, this is important for circuit calculations. Understanding this helps when designing resonant circuits.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A (44.72 MHz): Incorrect. 44.72 MHz is too high - the calculation gives 3.56 MHz. 44.72 MHz is wrong. Option B (22.36 MHz): Incorrect. 22.36 MHz is too high - the calculation gives 3.56 MHz. 22.36 MHz is wrong. Option D (1.78 MHz): Incorrect. 1.78 MHz is too low - the calculation gives 3.56 MHz. 1.78 MHz is wrong.

Exam Tip

RLC resonant frequency = 1/(2π√(LC)). Think 'R'esonant 'F'requency = '1'/(2π√('L'C)). f = 1/(2π√(50×10^-6 × 40×10^-12)) ≈ 3.56 MHz. Not 44.72 MHz, not 22.36 MHz, not 1.78 MHz - just 3.56 MHz.

Memory Aid

RLC resonant frequency = 1/(2π√(LC)). Think 'R'esonant = '1'/(2π√('L'C)). f = 1/(2π√(50×10^-6 × 40×10^-12)) ≈ 3.56 MHz. Important for circuit calculations.

Real-World Example

An RLC circuit with R=22 ohms, L=50 microhenries, C=40 picofarads: The resonant frequency is f = 1/(2π√(LC)) = 1/(2π√(50×10^-6 × 40×10^-12)) ≈ 3.56 MHz. Note that R doesn't affect resonant frequency. This is the frequency - 3.56 MHz.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E5A

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E5 - Electrical Principles

Key Concepts

Resonant frequency RLC circuit R 22 ohms L 50 microhenries C 40 picofarads 3.56 MHz

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E5A topic.