Finding the Second Constant in an XRLC Circuit Current Response Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the second constant in the current response of an XRLC circuit, specifically focusing on the initial conditions and their implications for solving the differential equations governing the circuit's behavior. The scope includes theoretical reasoning and mathematical analysis related to circuit dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 presents the problem of determining the constant B in the equation for I(t) and expresses confusion about why a specific value (-6) is used in the integral.
  • Post 2 proposes a method involving Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) to find the initial conditions immediately after the switch is opened, suggesting that the voltage across the capacitor and the current through the resistors can be used to derive B.
  • Post 3 questions whether initial conditions should be determined before opening the switch, referencing previous exercises where this approach was taken.
  • Post 4 reiterates the concern about finding initial conditions before the switch is opened, arguing that the conditions are established only after the switch is opened and that this affects the constants derived from the equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on when to establish initial conditions, with some advocating for conditions at t=0- and others at t=0+. There is no consensus on the best approach to find the constant B.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in understanding the timing of initial conditions and their impact on solving the circuit equations, as well as the dependence on the specific circuit configuration.

bodomizer
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Homework Statement



FIND i(t).
x6eyh3.png
[/B]

Homework Equations



VL = L*(di/dt) (Equation 1)
IC = C*(dV/dt) (Equation 2)

I(t) = e^-9*t*(A*cos(4.359*t) + B*sen(4.359*t)) A (Equation 3)

The Attempt at a Solution



214e45h.jpg


I can get the exact value of the constant B as shown in the answer if I use -6 after the equal sign of the integral. The problem is, I don't understand WHY it should be -6. I solved everything else correctly, but I don't understand completely how to find the second constant "B".

PS: I solved the integral on Wolfram Alpha.
 
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I would look at it this way. Immediately after opening the switch, do a KVL around the loop. The voltage across the capacitor is 6V, because that's what it charged up to while the switch was closed. 1A of current is circulating around the loop, because that's how much current was flowing when the switch was closed. So each of the resistors has 1A flowing through it, so the 6 ohm resistor is dropping 6 volts, and the 3 ohm resistor is dropping 3V. So summing up the voltages around the loop gives:
[tex]6 + L \frac{di}{dt}(t=0) + 3 -6 = 0[/tex]
[tex]L \frac{di}{dt}(t=0) = -3[/tex]
[tex]0.5 (-9 + 4.359 \times B) = -3[/tex]
[tex]B = \frac{3}{4.359} = 0.6882[/tex]
 
@phyzguy Your solution seems correct, but shouldn't I find the initial conditions before opening the switch? That's how it worked for all the other exercises: I find the ODE on t>0 and solve it, and then the constants from the initial conditions on t = 0-
 
bodomizer said:
@phyzguy Your solution seems correct, but shouldn't I find the initial conditions before opening the switch? That's how it worked for all the other exercises: I find the ODE on t>0 and solve it, and then the constants from the initial conditions on t = 0-

I don't see how. Before you open the switch, there is no voltage dropped across the inductor, since di/dt = 0, and there is no voltage dropped across the 3 ohm resistor, because there is no current flowing through it. It is only after the switch is opened that the initial conditions are established. For example, if I change the 3 ohm resistor to 3000 ohms, all of the initial conditions when the switch is closed are the same, but the initial conditions after the switch is opened are very different. I would say that the constants are found from the initial conditions at t=0+, not t=0-.
 

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