RC Circuits Voltage: Solving for V(out) with Loop Rule

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The discussion focuses on solving for the output voltage (V(out)) in an RC circuit using the loop rule. The initial calculations led to an incorrect understanding of V(out) as the voltage across the resistor instead of the capacitor. Participants emphasize the need to apply the correct relationships, such as q = CVC, to find the capacitor voltage accurately. Additionally, a decaying exponential for capacitor voltage is deemed nonsensical since the capacitor should be charging after the switch closes. The correct approach and understanding of voltage relationships are crucial for solving the problem accurately.
Dens
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Homework Statement



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Relevant infor
V(out) stands for the voltage divider I believe

The Attempt at a Solution



I am just going to get the equation first.

For the first part, applying the loop rule I got

12 - 10^5q' - 10^7 q = 0 with q(0) = 0. Solving I get

Q = \frac{3}{25000}(1 - e^{-100t})

Since V = IR = q'R = q'(105) I should get V = 12e^{-100t}. So the plot would be a exp curve, curving down.

For the question that follows after. The loop rule is

100 - q'(10^6) - q/C = 0. Solving, I get

q(t) = 100C - 100Ce^{-10^{-6}t}

Since V = IR = q'R = q'(106) I should get V = 100e^{-10^{-6}t/C}

Now V_{out} = 70 = 100e^{-10^{-5}/C}, solving I get C = 2.8

Here is the problem, the answer is supposed to be 8.3μF. All the ODEs were solved with Maple

What did I do wrong?
 
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Dens said:
Relevant infor
V(out) stands for the voltage divider I believe

Huh? :confused: What voltage divider? Vout is the output voltage, which is the voltage across the capacitor, in this circuit.

Dens said:

The Attempt at a Solution



I am just going to get the equation first.

For the first part, applying the loop rule I got

12 - 10^5q' - 10^7 q = 0 with q(0) = 0. Solving I get

Q = \frac{3}{25000}(1 - e^{-100t})

Since V = IR = q'R = q'(105) I should get V = 12e^{-100t}. So the plot would be a exp curve, curving down.

You're solving for the WRONG V here. The voltage given by IR is the voltage across the resistor (let's call it VR). You're looking for the voltage across the capacitor. To get the capacitor voltage (VC), use the fact that q = CVC for a capacitor. OR, use the loop rule to solve for VC in terms of VR and V0. Either method should give you the same answer.

Also, whenever you get an answer to a problem, always ask yourself, "does this make any sense?" A decaying exponential for the capacitor voltage makes no sense, because after the switch closes, the capacitor is charging, not discharging. :wink:

EDIT: and you made the exact same mistake in part 2. Your equation for the capacitor voltage vs. time is just wrong.
 

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