Capacitor transient charging equation of an RC series circuit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the capacitor voltage equation for an RC series circuit, specifically Vc=Vss+(Vi-Vss)*e^(-t/RC). Key variables include Vss (steady state voltage), Vi (initial capacitor voltage), and Vc (capacitor voltage). The user attempted to use Laplace transforms to solve the problem but encountered discrepancies in their equations. The correct interpretation of the circuit and the relationship between the variables is crucial for deriving the correct equation.

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priya.k
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Homework Statement


I would like to derive the equation Vc=Vss+(Vi-Vss)*e^(-t/RC)
Vss is the steady state voltage
Vi is the initial capacitor voltage
Vc is the capacitor voltage

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to find solution using laplace transform. E=iR+1/c∫idt.
Taking laplace, E/s=I(s)R+1/(cs)*I(s)-q(0+)/(cs)
Put q(0+)=cVc(0+)=cVi
Then taking inverse laplace
i(t)=(E-vi)/R *e^(-t/RC)
Vc=1/c∫idt
=(E-vi)(1-e^(-t/RC))
What is wrong? why am i not getting the correct answer? Please help...
 
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priya.k said:

Homework Statement


I would like to derive the equation Vc=Vss+(Vi-Vss)*e^(-t/RC)
Vss is the steady state voltage
Vi is the initial capacitor voltage
Vc is the capacitor voltage

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to find solution using laplace transform. E=iR+1/c∫idt.
Taking laplace, E/s=I(s)R+1/(cs)*I(s)-q(0+)/(cs)
Put q(0+)=cVc(0+)=cVi
Then taking inverse laplace
i(t)=(E-vi)/R *e^(-t/RC)
Vc=1/c∫idt
=(E-vi)(1-e^(-t/RC))
What is wrong? why am i not getting the correct answer? Please help...

Welcome to the PF.

It looks like your two starting equations are fundamentally different. Could you show the circuit along with labels for the variables (what is Vss versus Vc for example?).

Vc=Vss+(Vi-Vss)*e^(-t/RC)

E=iR+1/c∫idt
 
|-------E volt dc----------|
(+)___^^^^______||_____|(-)
.....(+)|---Vc---|(-)
Input is a dc voltage(polarities shown).
Vc=capacitor voltage
Before applying input, capacitor voltage Vc=Vi
After applying input and reaching steady state, Vc=Vss
But here in this case, steady state capacitor voltage Vss=E
 

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