Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E5B
E5B07E5B

What is the phase angle between the voltage across and the current through a series RLC circuit if XC is 500 ohms, R is 1 kilohm, and XL is 250 ohms?

Deep Dive: E5B07

The correct answer is C: 14.0 degrees with the voltage lagging the current. What is the phase angle between the voltage across and the current through a series RLC circuit if XC is 500 ohms, R is 1 kilohm, and XL is 250 ohms is 14.0 degrees with the voltage lagging the current. Net reactance = XL - XC = 250 - 500 = -250 ohms (capacitive). Phase angle = arctan(X/R) = arctan(-250/1000) ≈ -14.0°, so voltage lags current. For amateur radio operators, this is important for circuit calculations. Understanding this helps when calculating phase angles.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. 68.2 degrees with voltage leading isn't correct - net reactance is capacitive, so voltage lags. 68.2° leading is wrong. Option B: Incorrect. 14.0 degrees with voltage leading isn't correct - net reactance is capacitive, so voltage lags. Leading is wrong. Option D: Incorrect. 68.2 degrees with voltage lagging isn't correct - the angle is 14.0°, not 68.2°. 68.2° is wrong.

Exam Tip

Series RLC phase angle = arctan((XL-XC)/R). Think 'P'hase 'A'ngle = arctan('N'et 'R'eactance/'R'esistance). Net X = 250-500 = -250Ω (capacitive), angle = arctan(-250/1000) ≈ -14.0°, voltage lags. Not 68.2°, not leading - just 14.0° lagging.

Memory Aid

Series RLC phase angle = arctan((XL-XC)/R). Think 'P'hase 'A'ngle = '1'4.0° lagging. Net X = -250Ω, angle = -14.0°, voltage lags. Important for circuit calculations.

Real-World Example

A series RLC circuit with XC=500Ω, R=1kΩ, XL=250Ω: Net reactance = XL-XC = 250-500 = -250Ω (capacitive). Phase angle = arctan(X/R) = arctan(-250/1000) ≈ -14.0°. Since net reactance is capacitive, voltage lags current. This is the phase angle - 14.0° with voltage lagging current.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E5B

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

Key Concepts

Phase angle Voltage across Current through Series RLC circuit XC 500 ohms R 1 kilohm XL 250 ohms 14.0 degrees Voltage lagging current

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E5B topic.