Initial conditions for rlc series natural response

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about finding the voltage across a capacitor in an overdamped RLC circuit with an initial voltage of 24V, the user seeks to establish the second initial condition for solving the differential equation. They correctly identify that the initial current through the inductor is zero, which leads to the equations 24 = A_1 + A_2 and 0 = s_1 A_1 + s_2 A_2 for determining the constants A_1 and A_2. There is some uncertainty about whether to simplify the equation by eliminating the capacitance or to retain it in the calculations. The consensus suggests that since the initial current is zero, the treatment of capacitance in the equations does not affect the outcome. The user is encouraged to proceed with their approach, as it aligns with the principles of circuit analysis.
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Homework Statement


Find v(t) across a cap. in a series rlc circuit with no driving force (initial v across cap: 24V)


Homework Equations


from the values of the components, \alpha > \omega_0, the circuit is overdamped, and the following equation can be used: v(t) =A_1 e^{s_1 t} + A_2 e^{s_2 t}


The Attempt at a Solution



My trouble is basically finding another initial condition to solve the 2nd order diff. equation above. At t=0, the voltage across the capacitor is 24V, so: 24 =A_1 + A_2.
The other initial condition I would think should come from the fact that the current in the inductor can not change at once, so initial current is i=0. I'm just not quite sure how to use this. Can I say that, since current in cap: i=C dv/dt, then: i/C = dv/dt = 0 = \frac{d(A_1 e^{s_1 t} + A_2 e^{s_2 t})}{dt} = s_1 A_1e^{s_1 t} + s_2 A_2e^{s_2 t}

So A_1 and A_2 can be calculated from: 24 =A_1 + A_2 and 0 = s_1 A_1 + s_2 A_2 ?

Is this correct? It feels a little too simple. Also, is it alright to do i/C = dv/dt so that the C essentially goes away because if i = 0? Or should I do i = C dv/dt, insert the expression for dv/dt and multiply by C?

Thanks!
 
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If initial condition for current is 0; it does not matter what you do with C as far it also not 0. 0/non-zeo or 0/C = 0
 

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