Finding charge as a function of time

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation for the charge on a capacitor in a series electric circuit with resistance R, capacitance C, and a time-dependent electromotive force V(t) = V0 sin(ωt). The correct approach involves treating the equation as an ordinary differential equation (ODE) rather than simple integration. The homogeneous solution is q(t) = De^(-t/RC), while the non-homogeneous solution requires the use of an integrating factor and integration by parts to derive a more complex solution. Participants emphasize the importance of proper algebraic manipulation and integration techniques.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with series electric circuits, including resistance and capacitance
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, particularly integration by parts
  • Basic concepts of electromotive force and sinusoidal functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integrating factors for solving ODEs
  • Learn about the Laplace transform for circuit analysis
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including integration by parts
  • Investigate the behavior of RC circuits under sinusoidal inputs
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in electrical engineering, physicists, and anyone interested in analyzing dynamic systems involving capacitors and resistors in AC circuits.

P-Jay1
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
1- A series electric circuit contains a resistance R, capacitance C and power source
supplying a time-dependent electromotive force V (t). The charge q on the capacitor obeys

R dq/dt + q/C = V (t)

Assuming that initially, at time t = 0, there is no charge on the capacitor, and given that
V (t) = V0 sin ωt, find the charge on the capacitor as a function of time.


2- Hey, so I want to know if I'm doing this right.

I rearranged and substituted V (t) = V0 sin ωt to get: dq/dt = VoSinωt/R - q/RC

Next I move dt to the right hand side of the equation and integrated to get:

q(t) = - VoCosωt/ωR - qt/RC + const.

For q as a function of t is this the right answer?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ok so after lots of algebra and rearranging I found the solution.

You need to treat this as an ODE and not just a simple integration problem.

Solving the homogeneous form of the equation:

Rq' + \frac{q}{C} = 0

yields

q(t) = De^{-t/RC}

There is also the non-homogeneous solution which can be solved a few different ways, I did it using an integrating factor followed by lots of integration by parts and some rearranging. I'm not going to write it all out here, but to get you started you have:

\frac{dq}{dt} + \frac{q}{RC} = \frac{V_{o}}{R}sin({\omega}t)

let {\mu} = e^{t/RC}

\frac{d}{dt}(qe^{t/RC}) = e^{t/RC} \frac{V_{o}}{R}sin({\omega}t)

I'm not going to give you the final solution but it's much more complicated than what you initially have. If you post your work I will help you through it.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K