Relationship between Q factor and complex resonant frequency: investigations using RLC series circuit

Abstract

It is well known that Q factor can be calculated from complex resonant frequency of a non-excitation problem. However, two definitions are used to obtain Q factor from complex resonant frequency. One definition uses the real part of the complex frequency while the other uses an absolute value from the numerator of the Q factor. The meaning and difference of the two definitions is investigated using an RLC series circuit, and the findings are presented in this article.