How do I correctly position A1 and A2 in overdamped parallel RLC circuit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correct positioning of constants A1 and A2 in the context of analyzing an overdamped parallel RLC circuit. Participants are attempting to find the voltage across the capacitor given specific initial conditions and component values. The conversation includes circuit analysis, initial conditions, and the implications of energy storage in capacitors and inductors.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in determining the correct positions for constants A1 and A2, despite having the correct values.
  • Another participant confirms that the initial conditions provided (V(0) = 125V, i(0) = 0A) are standard for circuit analysis.
  • A question is raised about the formula used for energy in the capacitor, leading to a clarification that W refers to energy, not angular frequency.
  • There is a discussion about the final voltage across the capacitor being zero after a long time, but the need for an equation that defines voltage in terms of time is emphasized.
  • Participants discuss the implications of initial conditions on current through the resistor and inductor, with some clarifying that initial current can change suddenly when the circuit is activated.
  • One participant points out that the initial current in the resistor can be calculated from the initial voltage across the capacitor, leading to a specific numerical value.
  • Frustration is expressed regarding experimental outcomes not aligning with theoretical expectations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the initial conditions and the behavior of the circuit components, but there is disagreement on the correct placement of constants A1 and A2, as well as the interpretation of the initial current values. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct positioning of these constants.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved details regarding the assumptions made about initial conditions and the definitions of terms used in the analysis. The discussion also highlights the complexity of circuit behavior at the moment of switching.

sevens
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For some reason i can't get my A1 and A2 in the correct spots. I get the correct value of these two, but if someone could point out where I've gone wrong, i would apreciate it.

V(0) = 125v
i(0) = 0A

value of the inductor is 1.25h
value of the resistor is 2 Ohms
value of the capacitor is 50mf ( yes i know huge... but its theory, not practice)

the final answer is to find the voltage across the capacitor

Thanks any advice will help.
 

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Your answer looks good to me.
 
Why do you say [tex]\omega_c = \frac{1}{2} Cv^2[/tex] ?

What are the units of this [tex]\omega[/tex] ?
 
Last edited:
The units of W are Jouls, its energy stored in the capacitor, and i use that formula to find the initial voltage in the capacitor. The answer i got is V(t) and then under that i wrote what the answer should be "actual answer" i keep getting A1 and A2 in the wrong place for several of my circuit analysis. Am i missing some tiny detail.?
 
Oh, you meant W like work or energy, not [tex]\omega[/tex] like angular frequency. I get that now.

i use that formula to find the initial voltage in the capacitor
But you're given v(0) = 250V as part of the problem statement. And the "final" voltage across the capacitor will be zero. What exactly does the question ask for? It wants the capacitor voltage when?
 
constants in wrong spot

Yes its true that final voltage across the capacitor will be zero given enough time. The question wants an equation that can be defined in terms of t. So if you take the found equation for example t =2 sec the capacitor will be zero. however if i take t=.0001s there will be some voltage left in the capacitor.


Originaly i was told how much energy was stored in the capacitor which is why i used Wc to find initial Voltage.

overal the problem is that my A1 and my A2 are with the wrong positions. they are the correct values themselves but if you see where i wrote "actual answer" that's the position they should be in.

Thanks for the help :smile:
this problem will crack sooner or later
 
Last edited:
How did you get [tex]i_R(0) = 0[/tex]?
[tex]i_R(0) = \frac{V_C(0)}{R}[/tex].
 
He just said i(0)=0. I think it's just one of the initial conditions, like if you were closing a switch at t=0 to connect the cap into the rest of the circuit.
 
berkeman said:
He just said i(0)=0. I think it's just one of the initial conditions, like if you were closing a switch at t=0 to connect the cap into the rest of the circuit.
Since the initial energy in the inductor is 0, it follows [tex]i_L(0) = 0[/tex].
The resistor is in parallel with the capacitor, which has an initial voltage of 125 V. So, the initial current in the resistor is [tex]\frac{125}{R}A[/tex].
 
  • #10
SGT said:
Since the initial energy in the inductor is 0, it follows [tex]i_L(0) = 0[/tex].
The resistor is in parallel with the capacitor, which has an initial voltage of 125 V. So, the initial current in the resistor is [tex]\frac{125}{R}A[/tex].
You've worked with initial conditions in differential equations before, right? As usually stated, the current in the resistor would be zero at t=0-, and the value you state at t=0+. Standard stuff.:rolleyes:
 
  • #11
Hmm... SGT is right. If Vc(0+) = 125V, then Ir(0+) = 125/2 = 62.5A since current across the resistor can change suddenly. This means that Ic(0+) = -Ir(0+) = -62.5A which then gives the actual answer.
 
  • #12
berkeman said:
You've worked with initial conditions in differential equations before, right? As usually stated, the current in the resistor would be zero at t=0-, and the value you state at t=0+. Standard stuff.:rolleyes:
When you replace initial conditions in the general solution, you use the conditions at t = 0+. The conditions at t = 0- are irrelevant, except in the case of energy storage elements, like capacitors and inductors (or masses and sprigs). For those elements the conditions at t = 0- and t = 0+ are the same, except in the case of an impulsional excitation.
 
  • #13
i hate it when experiments don't work the way they should

soooooooooo frustrating!

xxxx Gareth
 

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