How to Find the Voltage Across a Capacitor in an RLC Circuit?

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SUMMARY

To find the voltage across a capacitor in an RLC circuit, apply Kirchhoff's voltage law, represented by the equation V(t) = i(t)R + (1/C) ∫_0^t i(u)du + L di(t)/dt. For a direct current (DC) battery, the voltage across the capacitor will equal the battery voltage after a sufficient time, typically a few seconds, assuming low inductance. In the case of an alternating current (AC) source, the same equation must be solved to determine the voltage across the capacitor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RLC circuit components (Resistor, Inductor, Capacitor)
  • Familiarity with Kirchhoff's voltage law
  • Knowledge of calculus for solving integrals
  • Basic concepts of direct and alternating current
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Kirchhoff's laws in RLC circuits
  • Learn how to solve differential equations related to RLC circuits
  • Explore the behavior of capacitors in AC circuits
  • Investigate the impact of inductance on voltage across capacitors
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in circuit analysis or design, particularly those working with RLC circuits and capacitor behavior.

dancingmonkey
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My question is how do I find the voltage across a capacitor? I have an RLC circuit with a switch and battery. It only gives me the values for the battery, L, C, and R.

My main question is, is there an equation or something to find the voltage across a capacitor?
 
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Is it connected in series? If so, according to Kirchhoff, V(t) = i(t)R + (1/C) int_0^t i(u)du + L di(t)/dt

Solve that equation and you are done.
 
If the battery is a constant voltage source (direct current), the voltage across the capacitor should be that voltage if you wait a sufficiently long time (typically a few seconds will do the trick, if the inductance is not too high).

If it is an alternating current source, you will have to solve the equation posted by Termotanque.
 

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