Energy in inductor and capacitor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of energy stored in inductors and capacitors, focusing on the relationship between current, time, and energy expressions. Participants explore the mathematical formulations and variable transformations involved in these calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the representation of energy in an inductor as \( \frac{1}{2}Li^2 \) and seeks clarification on the relationship between current \( i \) and the time variable in the energy expression \( E = \int_0^t L i \, di \).
  • Another participant provides a derivation of energy spent over time using the integral of emf due to inductive effects, leading to the expression \( E = \frac{1}{2}Li^2 \) while noting the change of variable from time to current.
  • A further contribution raises a scenario to compare energy calculations using current as a variable versus time as a variable, questioning the correctness of both approaches.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of knowing how current changes with time, suggesting that understanding the function \( i(t) \) is crucial for accurate energy calculations.
  • Another participant proposes two methods to calculate energy expended, asserting that both methods should yield the same result if the current function is differentiable and starts from zero.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of using current versus time as variables in energy calculations, indicating that there is no consensus on the best approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these variable choices.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the specific form of the current function \( i(t) \) and the assumptions made about its differentiability and initial conditions.

smslca
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Energy in inductor is given as (Li2])/2
but energy is power absorbed in t secs is E=integral(from 0 to t)Lidi here i is current.
since this integral stretches from 0 to t After doing the integral the current i must be turned into the time variable i.e E=(Lt2)/2;
Then why are we writing it as i2 what is this i represent. Is this the current i and this Energy i the same or different.

Same problem for capacitance in terms of voltage
 
Last edited:
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Power,P=Ei where E stands for the emf due to the inductive effect
Energy spent in time [0 to t]= integral[0 to t]Eidt

|E|= L di/dt

Energy expended= integral[0 to t]Li di/dt * dt
= integral[0 to i]Li di [please do note the change of variable here]
= 1/2 Li^2
 
Anamitra said:
[please do note the change of variable here]
since they may not be equal how could time change into current.
Let us suppose we want to find energy for 2 secs with current of x amps , and inductance 1 henry , then
IS E=0.5x joules using i as variable in boundary value correct or E=2 joules using t as variable in boundary value is a correct one.
 
Last edited:
Things would become clear if you know how current is changing with time i=i(t)

if you know the above function you can again find f(t) =di/dt
Then you find:

integral[0 to 2]L*i(t)* f(t)dt ------------- (1)

OR
You use the relation i=i(t) to calculate the current at time=2 seconds
that is you find i(2),noting i(0)=0

Then
Energy expended=
= integral[0 to i(2)]Li di
= 1/2 Li(2)^2 ---------------- (2)

(1) and (2) should give you the same result for any function i=i(t)provided they are differentiable and provided i(0)=0
 

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