Calculate the resonant frequency of an LC circuit — essential for filters, oscillators, and tuning circuits.
"The natural frequency at which an LC circuit stores and exchanges energy between magnetic and electric fields."
f0 = 1 / (2 π √LC)
Where:
Note: This formula applies to both series and parallel LC circuits.
The value of inductance in the circuit, measured in henrys (H).
It represents the coil’s ability to store energy in a magnetic field.
Practical units:
• Microhenry (μH) = 10⁻⁶ H
• Millihenry (mH) = 10⁻³ H
• Henry (H) – used for large inductors
Example: A ferrite core inductor may have 10 μH
The value of capacitance in the circuit, measured in farads (F).
It represents the capacitor’s ability to store charge.
Practical units:
• Picofarad (pF) = 10⁻¹² F
• Nanofarad (nF) = 10⁻⁹ F
• Microfarad (μF) = 10⁻⁶ F
• Farad (F) – rarely used in practice
Example: A ceramic capacitor may have 100 pF
At resonance:
In a series LC circuit:
• Impedance is minimum → current is maximum
• Used in band-pass filters and oscillators
In a parallel LC circuit:
• Impedance is maximum → voltage is maximum
• Used in tank circuits and antenna tuning
Energy continuously swaps between the inductor (magnetic field) and capacitor (electric field), creating sustained oscillations.