How Do You Solve a Source-Free Current Response Problem Using KVL?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a source-free current response problem using Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) in a circuit. Participants are attempting to derive a differential equation in terms of current and address discrepancies in their calculations related to initial conditions and component polarities.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an initial equation derived from KVL but questions the sign of the terms involved, suggesting a potential misunderstanding of voltage sources' polarities.
  • Another participant questions whether the presence of derivatives in the equation implies negative values in a stable circuit.
  • A third participant challenges the correctness of the original equation's polarities and suggests that a variable may have been incorrectly swapped.
  • There is a discussion about the simplification of the differential equation, with one participant asserting a different form of the equation than initially presented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the equations and the treatment of polarities. There is no consensus on the proper approach or solution to the problem, as multiple interpretations and corrections are proposed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the assumptions regarding the signs of voltage sources and the implications for the differential equation. The discussion reflects uncertainty in the application of KVL and the treatment of circuit components.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and individuals interested in circuit analysis, particularly those studying KVL and differential equations in electrical engineering contexts.

k_squared
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1. Homework Statement
For the following circuit, use KVL to write a differential equation in terms of current i and solve for the source-free current response if v(0+) = 40 V.

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Homework Equations



$$(s-s_1)Ae^{st}=0$$
$$i=C(d/dt)v$$
$$v=Ae^{s_1*t}$$

$$i=(-1/R)V_0e^{\frac{-t/}{RC}}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Finding the initial current is not so difficult. We have: $$-40 +22i-2i=0$$, for an initial current of 2 amps.

I came up with: $$(4)i-22(d/dt)i+2(d/dt)i=0$$, thus with 4/24, we have $$s+1/6=0$$.

However the answer is $$2e^{-\frac{1}{5}t}$$, meaning that s_1= 1\5, not 1\6!

I assume the two and the four have to be the same sign, because they are both voltage sources that are lined up with each other such that their voltage becomes greater rather than lesser. However, this means that s_1 becomes positive, or the sources of voltage in this circuit (ie, the capacitor and the dependent voltage source) have different signs!

Alas, s_1 is negative as expected. Therefore, I must be missing something.

What am I doing wrong?
 
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Wait... is it because any component with $$d/dt$$ is going to be negative in a stable circuit?
 
k_squared said:
1. Homework Statement

I came up with: $$(4)i-22(d/dt)i+2(d/dt)i=0$$, thus with 4/24, we have $$s+1/6=0$$.
Not sure I understood everything you wrote, but your equation here has the wrong polarities.
I also don't follow how you solved your diff. eq.
 
k_squared said:
I came up with:
(4)i-22(d/dt)i+2(d/dt)i=0
I think this simplifies to
(4)i - 20(d/dt)i = 0
so there's your 5.

But haven't you inadvertently swapped i where you should have v here?
 

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