Circuit Analysis of driven RC Circuit with short circuits

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing a driven RC circuit with a short circuit present. The initial current through the circuit is established at i(0-) = 0.1 A, resulting in a voltage of 20 V across a 200-ohm resistor. The voltage across the capacitor remains at 20 V at t = 0 due to the inability of the capacitor to change voltage instantaneously. The presence of the 200-ohm resistor in the circuit is debated, particularly regarding its role in a source-free RC circuit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (v = i * r)
  • Familiarity with RC circuit behavior and voltage decay (v(t) = v@0 * e^(-t/RC))
  • Knowledge of circuit components, specifically resistors and capacitors
  • Concept of instantaneous changes in current and voltage in electrical circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of short circuits in RC circuits
  • Learn about the transient response of RC circuits
  • Explore the implications of capacitive and inductive characteristics in real resistors
  • Investigate the mathematical modeling of current and voltage in circuits with varying components
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone studying transient analysis in RC circuits will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


Determine the value of the current labeled i and the voltage labeled v at t=0+, t= 1.5 ms, and t = 3.0 ms.

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Homework Equations


Ohm's law: v = i *r
Decay in source free RC Circuit v(t) = v@0 * e^(-t/RC)

The Attempt at a Solution


i(0-) = 0.1 A.
Therefore,
v across 200 ohm = 200* 0.1 = 20 V
Since no current flows through capacitor with constant dc current,
v across capacitor = 20 V @ t < 0

v across capacitor cannot change immediately as it would require infinite power so v across capacitor @ t = 0 = 20 V

Here's where the confusion is: Should I include the 200 ohm resistor in my RC circuit? Why or why not? Also, will my circuit be a source free RC circuit?

Also, what will be the current i through the 200 ohm resistor when t>0?

My last question is a theoretical one: Can a current through a resistor change immediately at one instant of time?
 
Last edited:
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200Ω in parallel with a short circuit (0Ω) is 0Ω (a short circuit).

Theoretically, an ideal resistor can experience an immediate change of voltage across it or current through it. However, all real resistors will have tiny capacitive/inductive characteristics.
 

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