[sdiy] Wanted: non mathematical description of the functionofRC-filters

[Andre Majorel]

On 2013-08-06 21:14 +0200, David G Dixon wrote:

> I agree with you, to a degree.  The math needs to come after
> the concept. However, in the case of an RC filter, the concept
> is of a voltage divider where one of the "resistors" has a
> frequency-dependent resistance.  None of this is going to make
> sense unless a current balance is drawn around the central
> node of the divider.  This, quite simply, requires some math!
> However, it is not much more than arithmetic.
> 
> If someone wants to understand RC filters, but isn't even
> prepared to do the simple math around a voltage divider, then
> I would say that they simply aren't invited to the club.
> Sorry, call it elitism if you will, but a modicum of effort
> must be made with these things.

David, without getting into the discussion of whether or not
this specific bit of math is best avoided, I'd like to make a
couple points.

First, electronics is not a club. I wonder what makes you think
of it that way.

Second, let's not confuse mathematics and mathematical
formalism.

Even something as simple as "t = d / v" is gibberish to most
people. But ask them how to get somewhere in half the time,
they'll tell to drive twice as fast. They understand the
mathematical concept of inverse proportion, just not the
formalism.

Grasping mathematical concepts and digesting mathematical
formalism are separate abilities. This might be hard to believe
for you but it is painfully obvious to those who have more of
the former than of the latter.

-- 
André Majorel http://www.teaser.fr/~amajorel/