Finding the inductance of an circuit knowing the energy stored

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the inductance of a circuit given the total energy stored, which is specified as 190 mJ. Participants explore the relationships between current, resistance, capacitance, and inductance in the context of steady-state circuit analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant attempts to find the equivalent impedance of the circuit using the impedances of the inductor and capacitor but feels overwhelmed by the number of unknowns.
  • Another participant points out that at steady state, capacitors act as open circuits and inductors as wires, suggesting a simplification of the circuit.
  • A participant calculates the current through one of the resistors using a parallel resistor formula and attempts to apply the energy formula for inductance.
  • Concerns are raised about neglecting the energy stored in the capacitor while calculating the total energy in the circuit.
  • One participant revises their calculations and derives a formula for L, but still encounters issues with arriving at the correct answer.
  • A later reply acknowledges a previous mistake as a simple calculator error, indicating a resolution to their confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and make different assumptions about the circuit's behavior, particularly regarding the roles of the inductor and capacitor at steady state. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the correct approach to calculating the inductance.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in their calculations, including potential errors in applying formulas and assumptions about circuit behavior. The discussion reflects ongoing uncertainty about the correct method to derive the inductance.

Jd303
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If the total energy stored in the circuit below is 190 mJ, what is the value of L?
IS = 2 A
R1 = 250 Ω : R2 = 38 Ω
C = 41 µF
Give your answer to the nearest whole number, in mH (I have attached the diagram)

I first try to find the equivalent impedence knowing that the impedence of an inductor is jωL and the impedence of a capacitor is -j/(ωC)

I try to do this so as I can find Vs and hence using the formula:
E = (CV^2 + LI^2)/2
I would be able to find the value of L

However I have too many unknowns to be able to find the equivalent impedance, so how do i go about this question? Any help would be greatly appreciated I am really stuck. Thanks!
 

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Jd303 said:
If the total energy stored in the circuit below is 190 mJ, what is the value of L?
IS = 2 A
R1 = 250 Ω : R2 = 38 Ω
C = 41 µF
Give your answer to the nearest whole number, in mH (I have attached the diagram)

I first try to find the equivalent impedence knowing that the impedence of an inductor is jωL and the impedence of a capacitor is -j/(ωC)

I try to do this so as I can find Vs and hence using the formula:
E = (CV^2 + LI^2)/2
I would be able to find the value of L

However I have too many unknowns to be able to find the equivalent impedance, so how do i go about this question? Any help would be greatly appreciated I am really stuck. Thanks!

Notice how your current is unchanging. Your circuit is at a steady state.

Using this fact you can simplify your circuit. Recall that at a steady state, capacitors act like open circuits, and inductors act as wires. Since you have a known current entering the circuit, you can use Kirchoffs Current Law to determine the current through the inductor at a steady state.
 
Thanks for your help! Sorry to be a bit slow, but I still can't obtain the correct answer.
As I am looking at it with the inductor replaced by a wire, and the capacitor replaced with an open circuit I am left with a simple circuit with the two resistors in parallel.

I then go to find the current going through R2 such that:

Ix = (R1/(R1 + R2))*Is

I then use the formula E = (LI^2)/2

To find the value of L

Can anyone please explain the mistake I have made, thanks.!
 
Jd303 said:
Thanks for your help! Sorry to be a bit slow, but I still can't obtain the correct answer.
As I am looking at it with the inductor replaced by a wire, and the capacitor replaced with an open circuit I am left with a simple circuit with the two resistors in parallel.

I then go to find the current going through R2 such that:

Ix = (R1/(R1 + R2))*Is

I then use the formula E = (LI^2)/2

To find the value of L

Can anyone please explain the mistake I have made, thanks.!

I think you're forgetting that the capacitor stores energy as well.
 
Sorry lazy mistake.

In that case I get this:

E = (CV^2 + LI^2)/2
Therefore:

L = (2E - CV^2)/I^2

I(through inductor) = (R/(R1 + R2))*Is

V = (R1*R2/(R1+R2))*Is

Doing this I still am left with an incorrect answer

Where am I going wrong?
 
Thanks for your help! corrected my mistakes was just a calculator error. cheers!
 

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