Question

Conceptual Questions
Why is the sum of the maximum voltages across each element in a series $RLC$ circuit usually greater than the maximum applied voltage? Doesn't that inequality violate Kirchhoff's loop rule?

Answer 1

The voltages are not added in a scalar form, but in a vector form, as shown in the phasor diagrams throughout the chapter. Kirchhoff's loop rule is true at any instant, but the voltages across different circuit elements are not simultaneously at their maximum values. Do not forget that an inductor can induce an emf in itself and that the voltage across it is 90° ahead of the current in the circuit in phase.