- Reciprocity Theorem Definition: The reciprocity theorem states that in a reciprocal circuit, the current remains the same when the positions of the voltage source and ammeter are swapped.
- Reciprocal Circuit: A circuit that follows the reciprocity theorem, where voltage and current are interchangeable, is called a reciprocal circuit.
- Ideal Components: For the reciprocity theorem to work, both the voltage source and ammeter must have zero internal resistance.
- Transfer Resistance: In a reciprocal circuit, the ratio of voltage to current is called transfer resistance.
- Complex Network Simplification: Complex reciprocal passive networks can be simplified for easier analysis and understanding.
What is Reciprocal Property?
In many electrical networks it is found that if the positions of voltage source and ammeter are interchanged, the reading of ammeter remains the same. It is not clear to you. Let’s explain it in details. Suppose a voltage source is connected to a passive network and an ammeter is connected to other part of the network to indicate the response.
Now, if someone swaps the positions of the ammeter and the voltage source—connecting the voltage source where the ammeter was and vice versa—the current reading on the ammeter will remain unchanged.
The ammeter will show the same current in both cases. This demonstrates the property of reciprocity. A circuit that has this reciprocal property is called a reciprocal circuit, which follows the reciprocity theorem.
Explanation of Reciprocity Theorem
The voltage source and the ammeter used in this theorem must be ideal, meaning they have zero internal resistance. A reciprocal circuit can be simple or complex, but any complex reciprocal passive network can be simplified. According to the reciprocity theorem, in a linear passive network, the supply voltage (V) and output current (I) can be interchanged.
The ratio of voltage (V) to current (I) is known as transfer resistance. This theorem is easier to understand through examples.
