DC Circuits: Why Is Voltage Across Inductor 0 at Steady State?

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SUMMARY

In a DC steady state, an inductor behaves like a short circuit, resulting in zero voltage across it. This is derived from Ohm's Law (E=IR), where resistance (R) is zero, leading to voltage (E) also being zero. Additionally, at steady state, the rate of change of current (di/dt) through the inductor is zero, which confirms that the voltage drop across the inductor is V=L(di/dt)=0 volts. Understanding these principles clarifies the behavior of inductors in DC circuits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (E=IR)
  • Basic knowledge of inductors and their behavior in circuits
  • Familiarity with the concept of steady state in electrical circuits
  • Knowledge of the formula for inductor voltage (V=Ldi/dt)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the behavior of inductors in AC circuits and their reactance
  • Learn about transient analysis in RL circuits
  • Explore the applications of inductors in filtering and energy storage
  • Investigate the role of inductors in resonance circuits
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, students studying circuit theory, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of inductors in DC circuits.

dleccord
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if the inductor is at dc steady state, the inductor would act like a short.

in this case, why would the voltage across the inductor be zero?

thanks in advance.
 
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According to Ohm's law E=IR if R=0 (a short) then E is also 0.
 
dleccord said:
if the inductor is at dc steady state, the inductor would act like a short.

in this case, why would the voltage across the inductor be zero?

thanks in advance.

A perfect electrical short means there is no electrical resistance. If there is no electrical resistance then there can be no voltage across the short. E=IR or Voltage=Amps times Resistance. As you can see as the resistance decreases so does the voltage.
 
wow thanks, i can't believe i didnt look at ohm's law's simplest.

i was looking for V=Ldi/dt, trying to figure that out but confused myself.

thanks ruko.
 
At t=\infty, the current through the inductor is maximum (for "charging" phase) or minimum (for "discharging" phase) and is no longer changing. Therefore, di/dt=0 amps/sec, so the voltage drop across the inductor is V= L(di/dt) = 0 volts.
 

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