RLC Circuit & Resonance
An electrical circuit containing a resistor, inductor, and capacitor whose total impedance reaches a minimum at the resonant frequency.
Governing formula
f_res = 1 / (2π √(L C)), Z = √(R² + (X_L - X_C)²)
SI unit
Hz (Frequency), Ω (Impedance)
In depth
At resonance (f_res), inductive reactance X_L exactly equals capacitive reactance X_C. Their reactive effects cancel out completely, causing circuit impedance Z to drop to pure resistance R and maximizing current flow.
Examples in the real world
Analog radio tuning circuits selecting a specific radio station broadcast frequency while attenuating all adjacent frequencies.