LRC equation using Poynting theorem and conservation laws

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving a differential equation for an LRC circuit using Poynting's theorem and energy conservation laws. The circuit includes inductance (L), capacitance (C), and resistance (R), with an oscillating voltage (U^e) applied.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to connect Poynting's theorem to the LRC circuit but expresses difficulty in finding relevant resources. Some participants suggest differentiating Kirchhoff's second law to relate to the equation presented.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various aspects of the problem, including the application of Poynting's theorem and the energy dynamics within the circuit. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between energy in the capacitor and inductor, as well as the power dissipation in the resistor.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of homework forum rules that typically restrict providing complete solutions, emphasizing the need for students to engage deeply with the problem. The age of the thread is noted as a factor in the discussion's openness to sharing insights.

emeriska
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Homework Statement


We have an ordinary LRC circuit with inductance L, capacitance C and resistance R with an oscillating voltage with low frequency (U^e). Using the energy conservation law and Poynting's theorem, find the differential equation:

$$L \frac{\partial ^2}{\partial t^2}I + R \frac{\partial }{\partial t}I + L \frac{1}{C}I = \frac{\partial }{\partial t}U^e$$

Homework Equations


I'll need to take advantage from the fact that I is defined as
$$I = \frac{\partial}{\partial t}q$$.

Knowing q is the charge.

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I've been looking around on the web to find something but I really can't find how to connect the Poynting theorem to that kind of circuit.

If any of you have some insights of a head start to give me that'd be great!
 
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Hi emeriska!

Your equation looks a lot like what I would get if I wrote down Kirchoff's 2nd law for the circuit and differentiated with respect to time. Except I think you have an extra factor of L in the 3rd term?

Poynting's theorem would give you a nice 3d snapshot of the energy flow going on in and around the circuit.
 
Poything's theorem entails the following : ## \frac{\partial u_{tot}}{\partial t} = P_{tot} = P_{in} - P_{out}##
In our case, this reduces to ##\frac{\partial u_{E}}{\partial t} + \frac{\partial u_{B}}{\partial t}= P_{U^e} - P_R##

E energy in our circuit is only "produced" in the capacitor and B only in our inductor, power is produced by our voltage and dissipated by our resistance. We know that the energy in a capacitor is ##\frac{1}{2} \frac{q^2}{C}## and, for the inductor, ##\frac{1}{2} LI^2##. The powers are given by the Joule heath law as the following: ##P = IV = I^2R##.

All together, the Poyting proprety is ...
$$\frac{\partial }{\partial t}\left(\frac{1}{2} \frac{q^2}{C} + \frac{\partial}{\partial t}\frac{1}{2} LI^2\right)= IU^e - I^2R$$ where ##I = \frac{\partial q}{\partial t}## (replace the ##I##s in the left hand side only, then when the derivation is complete, rereplace the ##\frac{\partial q}{\partial t}## by ##I##)

Developing this should give what you are looking for !
 
Last edited:
Welcome to PF.

Elm8429 said:
Developing this should give what you are looking for !
Normally in the schoolwork forums we cannot provide solutions to student problems -- the student must do the bulk of the work. We provide hints, ask probing questions, find mistakes, etc.

But since this thread is from about 8 years ago, showing a solution is okay in this case. :wink:
 
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Likes   Reactions: WWGD and Elm8429

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