parallel resonance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “parallel resonance” mean?
In electrical engineering, a condition in an AC circuit where the inductive reactance and capacitive reactance are equal and cancel each other out, resulting in a maximum impedance and a purely resistive load.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In electrical engineering, a condition in an AC circuit where the inductive reactance and capacitive reactance are equal and cancel each other out, resulting in a maximum impedance and a purely resistive load.
A phenomenon in various oscillatory systems where energy storage elements (like an inductor and capacitor in parallel) oscillate at a specific frequency, leading to a peak in impedance or a sharp filtering effect. More generally, it can describe a situation where two or more systems or processes are aligned to reinforce a particular outcome, though this is a metaphorical extension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or definitional differences. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior' in surrounding text, but 'resonance' is spelled identically).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US English, confined to engineering and physics contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “parallel resonance” in a Sentence
Parallel resonance occurs in [a circuit].The [circuit/network] exhibits parallel resonance at [frequency].To design [a filter] using parallel resonance.[Frequency] is the parallel resonance frequency of [the tank circuit].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parallel resonance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The circuit is designed to parallel-resonate at 1 MHz.
- They needed to parallel-resonate the filter to reject the interference.
American English
- The circuit is designed to parallel-resonate at 1 MHz.
- They needed to parallel-resonate the filter to reject the interference.
adverb
British English
- The components were connected parallel-resonantly.
American English
- The components were connected parallel-resonantly.
adjective
British English
- The parallel-resonant filter performed excellently.
- We observed a parallel-resonant condition.
American English
- The parallel-resonant filter performed excellently.
- We observed a parallel-resonant condition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in textbooks, lectures, and research papers in electrical engineering, physics, and related applied sciences.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by an engineer/hobbyist explaining a technical problem.
Technical
Primary domain of use. Common in circuit design, filter theory, RF engineering, and analysis of oscillatory systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parallel resonance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parallel resonance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parallel resonance”
- Using 'parallel resonance' to mean 'similar ideas happening at the same time' (incorrect metaphorical extension).
- Confusing it with 'series resonance'.
- Misspelling 'parallel' (common error: 'parrallel').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily used in filter circuits, such as band-stop (notch) filters and in the tuning circuits of radios and oscillators to select or reject a specific frequency.
In series resonance, impedance is at a minimum and current is at a maximum at the resonant frequency. In parallel resonance, impedance is at a maximum and current from the source is at a minimum.
While the core concept is from electrical engineering, it can be used metaphorically in fields like acoustics or mechanics to describe similar oscillatory phenomena in parallel systems. In everyday language, it is essentially unused.
In an ideal parallel LC circuit (with no resistance), the power factor is unity (1) because the circuit appears purely resistive. In practical circuits with resistance, the power factor is high but not necessarily perfect.
In electrical engineering, a condition in an AC circuit where the inductive reactance and capacitive reactance are equal and cancel each other out, resulting in a maximum impedance and a purely resistive load.
Parallel resonance is usually technical / academic in register.
Parallel resonance: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəlel ˈrɛzənəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛrəˌlɛl ˈrɛzənəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At parallel resonance, the circuit behaves like an open circuit. (Technical idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two parallel lines (the inductor and capacitor in parallel) that only vibrate (resonate) strongly together at one perfect pitch (frequency), blocking other notes.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FILTER or GATEKEEPER (it allows only a specific frequency to be blocked/rejected, letting others pass). A COORDINATED DEFENCE (two elements working in parallel to create a strong opposition to a specific frequency).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a circuit at parallel resonance?