# Initial Value Problem (done but i think its wrong please check workthanks)

1. Feb 4, 2012

### fufufu

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

R(dQ/dt) + (1/C)Q = E_0 e^-t ..........Q(0) = 0 and E_0 = a constant

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

first i rearranged to give:
Q' + (1/CR)Q = (E_0e^-t)/R

next i multiplied all by integrating factor of: u(t) = e^integ:(1/CR) = e^(t/CR)

(e^(t/CR) Q)' = (E_0e^-t)/R (e^(t/CR))

e^(t/CR) Q = integ: (E_0e^-t)/R (e^(t/CR))

now integrating right side to give...
e^(t/CR) Q = (E_0/R)e^-t) (e^(t/CR) / (1/CR-1) + C_1

now rearrange for gen solution:

Q = (E_0/R)e^-t) / (1/CR-1) + C_1/e^(t/CR)

then i applied initial conditions to get C_1. The initial condion is: Q(0) = 0

C = - E_0/R / (1/CR-1)

so solution is:

Q = (E_0/R)e^-t) / (1/CR-1) - E_0/R / (1/CR-1) /e^(t/CR)

is this correct? It doesnt match the solution on exam but not sure if its just cuz i can rearrange it another way..thanks
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

2. Feb 5, 2012

### ehild

It is correct, but use negative exponent in the second term instead of a fraction to avoid confusion.

$$Q=\frac{E_0}{R}e^{-t}-\frac{E_0}{R(\frac{1}{CR}-1)} e^{-\frac{t}{CR}}$$

ehild