Solved: RC First Order Circuit Voltage Drop after Switch Opens

In summary: Using the first order equation, the voltage across the capacitor just after the switch is opened can be found using the Thevenin resistance of the capacitor circuit and the time constant \tau. In summary, the voltage drop across the capacitor just after the switch is opened is determined by the difference between the voltage drops at the resistors in the circuit before and after the switch is opened, and can be calculated using the Thevenin resistance and time constant.
  • #1
raface
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Homework Statement


Find the voltage drop across the capacitor just after the switch is opened v(0+)



Most variables are in picture attached
C = 100mF

Homework Equations


Vc(t)= Vc([tex]\infty[/tex])+[Vc(t+)-Vc([tex]\infty[/tex]))*e-(t-t1/[tex]\tau[/tex])


The Attempt at a Solution



First i assumed that the capacitor would be charge in steady state before the switch is opened. This would mean it is a short circuit. So the voltage in the capacitor would be 12V? Not sure if this is correct.

Secondly i assumed that as t tends to infinity, after the switch is opened that the voltage across the capacitor will become 30V

I then worked put the thevenin resistance of the capacitor circuit after the switch is opened.

RTh = 9.6154 ohms

Then
[tex]\tau[/tex] = RTh * C

I am not sure how to apply this to the first order equation to find v(0+)
 

Attachments

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  • #2
In steady state, the capacitor is an open circuit, so its voltage is the difference between the voltage drop at the 4 ohm, 6 ohm resistors, caused by the 5A source and the voltage drop in the voltage divider (5 ohm, 20 ohm) caused by the voltage source.
After the switch opens, the capacitor will be connected to ground via the 6 ohm resistor and will discharge. At t = infinity, the voltage in the capacitor will be zero.
 

1. How does a first order circuit behave when the switch is opened?

When the switch in a first order circuit is opened, the voltage across the circuit will decrease exponentially. This decrease is due to the discharging of any stored energy in the circuit's components, such as capacitors.

2. What is the formula for calculating the voltage drop in a first order circuit after the switch is opened?

The formula for calculating the voltage drop in a first order circuit after the switch is opened is V(t) = V0 * e^(-t/RC), where V(t) is the voltage at time t, V0 is the initial voltage, R is the resistance in the circuit, and C is the capacitance.

3. How does the time constant of a first order circuit affect the voltage drop after the switch is opened?

The time constant, denoted as τ (tau), is the amount of time it takes for the voltage to decrease to 37% of its initial value. A smaller time constant means the voltage will decrease more quickly, while a larger time constant means the voltage will decrease more slowly.

4. What factors can affect the voltage drop in a first order circuit after the switch is opened?

The voltage drop in a first order circuit can be affected by the initial voltage, resistance, capacitance, and the time constant. Additionally, external factors such as temperature, humidity, and component quality can also impact the voltage drop.

5. Can the voltage drop in a first order circuit be reversed once the switch is opened?

No, the voltage drop in a first order circuit cannot be reversed once the switch is opened. Energy is continuously dissipated from the circuit, leading to a decrease in voltage until it reaches 0V.

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