LR Circuit Analysis: Find Current i When Switch is Opened

[utkarshakash]

Homework Statement

Switch S is closed for long time in the figure shown. Find the current i as soon as the switch is opened.

The Attempt at a Solution

At t=∞ inductor behaves as closed circuit. So, I can simply replace it with a wire and calculate the current which comes out to be 9A. But I can't understand what will happen when the switch is opened. Will the current die out instantly? Will it be the same as before?

 

[SammyS]

Homework Statement

Switch S is closed for long time in the figure shown. Find the current i as soon as the switch is opened.

The Attempt at a Solution

At t=∞ inductor behaves as closed circuit. So, I can simply replace it with a wire and calculate the current which comes out to be 9A. But I can't understand what will happen when the switch is opened. Will the current die out instantly? Will it be the same as before?

First of all, how did you get 9 A? Is that what you get for the current through the inductor ? (Yes, I assume you're getting this while the switch is still closed.) ... but how did you get that?

 

[utkarshakash]

First of all, how did you get 9 A? Is that what you get for the current through the inductor ? (Yes, I assume you're getting this while the switch is still closed.) ... but how did you get that?

Sorry. I misunderstood the question. It asks for the current through the inductor. I calculated the current flowing through the battery instead. btw I got the correct answer.

 

[ehild]

So what current flows through the inductor?

The current through the battery ceases immediately when the switch is opened, but the current through the inductor does not. Think of Lenz's Law.

 

[rude man]

1. Will the current die out instantly? Will it be the same as before?

Can current EVER die out instantly in an inductor? Can current change in an inductor if you don't give it any time to change?