Need Help with Laplace Homework Equations: Solving for Capacitor Voltage

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The discussion revolves around solving a Laplace transform problem related to capacitor voltage in a circuit. The user derives an equation using Kirchhoff's current law but struggles to match their final expression for e0 with the expected answer. They correctly set the initial conditions and apply Laplace transforms but end up with an incorrect term involving R1 in their final expression. The user seeks clarification on their mistake and suggests that their question might be better suited for a different forum section. The thread highlights the complexities of applying Laplace transforms in circuit analysis.
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations



For a capacitor: i=C(de/dt)

The Attempt at a Solution



Using Kirchhoff's current law at the note above the resistor R2 I get the following equation, which I believe is right:

C(e0' - ei') + (e0 - ei)/R1 + e0/R2 = 0

Then, since the source has a constant voltage of A, I set ei' = 0 and ei = A and use Laplace to find the eo(t)

e0' + e0( 1/(C*R1) + 1/(C*R2) ) = A/(C*R1)

to facilitate the algebra:

1/(C*R1) + 1/(C*R2) = ( R1 + R2 )/( C*R1*R2 ) = ε1
A/( C*R1 ) = ε2

Then,

sE0 - E0(0) + (ε1)E0 = (ε2)/s

=> E0(0) = 0

E0( s + (ε1) ) = (ε2)/s

using partial fractions:

E0 = (ε2)/( s( s + (ε1) ) ) = A/s + B/( s+(ε1) )

A = ε2/ε1 and B = -ε2/ε1

ε2/ε1 = ( A*R2 )/( R1 + R2 )

E0 = (ε2/ε1)/s - (ε2/ε1)/( s + ε1 )

e0 = (ε2/ε1) - (ε2/ε1)e^(-ε1*t)

e0 = ( A )/( R1 + R2 )*( R2 - R2*ε1*t )

But I know that the answer to this problem is:

e0 = ( A )/( R1 + R2 )*( R2 - R1*ε1*t )

What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance for any help!
 
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Sorry I am just trying to be consistent with the problem statement. Maybe I posted in the wrong forum (although my question is related to Laplace and not the circuit itself), maybe a moderator can move this to Homework & Coursework Questions > Engineering, Comp Sci, & Technology ?

Thanks.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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