How to Find i(t) for an Inductor in an LC Circuit?

AI Thread Summary
To find i(t) for an inductor in an LC circuit, it's essential to recognize that standard RLC circuit formulas are not applicable due to the absence of resistance. The damping factor becomes undefined when R equals zero, leading to confusion about calculations involving it. The correct approach involves deriving the differential equation specific to the LC circuit rather than relying on conventional formulas. The discussion also highlights the importance of specifying units for frequency calculations. Ultimately, starting from the fundamental principles of the circuit will yield the correct results.
Abdulwahab Hajar
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Homework Statement


In the figure given, find i(t) for the inductor
My problem is though when we found i(t) with a source we find the transient response and the steady state response...
I know how to do the transient response of an RLC circuit not an LC one... do i just consider R to be 0

Homework Equations


the damping factor is given as (1/RC) for a parallel RLC circuit
the frequency is given as 1/(√LC) which in this case is 1/2 am I right?

The Attempt at a Solution


There obviously is no damping factor therefore α = 0, however if R = 0 and we substitute for R in the damping factor equation we get infinity??
and for some reason the book says the frequency is 1/4... where did I go wrong??
Thank you
 

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Abdulwahab Hajar said:
the damping factor is given as (1/RC) for a parallel RLC circuit
Is this the damping factor ζ or is it the Quality factor Q?

The frequency of ½ looks right, though you need to specify its units.
 
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NascentOxygen said:
Is this the damping factor ζ or is it the Quality factor Q?

The frequency of ½ looks right, though you need to specify its units.
In my textbook it's the damping factor which is R/2L for series RLC circuits and 1/RC for parallel RLC circuits
 
Abdulwahab Hajar said:
In my textbook it's the damping factor which is R/2L for series RLC circuits and 1/RC for parallel RLC circuits
More commonly known as the attenuation factor, ##\alpha##. Are you sure the last one isn't ##\mathsf {\frac 1{2RC}}##?

wikipedia is a good resource for this, along with myriad others
 
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Since the circuit in question does not contain any resistance it is unwise to apply the "standard" RLC circuit formulas. With R = 0, any derivations of quantities or terms that rely on a division by R will be undefined or infinite (in other words, nonsense).

A better approach might be to start from the beginning, writing the differential equation for the given circuit.
 
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gneill said:
Since the circuit in question does not contain any resistance it is unwise to apply the "standard" RLC circuit formulas. With R = 0, any derivations of quantities or terms that rely on a division by R will be undefined or infinite (in other words, nonsense).

A better approach might be to start from the beginning, writing the differential equation for the given circuit.
Thank you
 
NascentOxygen said:
More commonly known as the attenuation factor, ##\alpha##. Are you sure the last one isn't ##\mathsf {\frac 1{2RC}}##?

wikipedia is a good resource for this, along with myriad others
Never mind, I found it
thanks ;)
 
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