Regarding first order circuit basic question

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    Circuit First order
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of an inductor in a first-order circuit when a switch is closed, focusing on the concepts of steady state and transient response. Participants explore the conditions before and after the switch closure, the implications for current through the inductor, and the eventual behavior as time approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that when t<0, the inductor is at steady state and behaves as a short circuit, carrying a constant current.
  • Others clarify that upon closing the switch at t=0, the circuit transitions from steady state to a new steady state, entering a transient period.
  • There is a discussion about the relationship between the inductor current before and after the switch closure, with some participants stating that I(0-) = I(0+) = I(0), but not equal to I(∞).
  • Some participants propose that as time approaches infinity, the inductor current I(∞) is 0A, suggesting that all current flows through the closed switch, leaving no current through the inductor or the 20Ω resistor.
  • There are assertions that the 20Ω resistor dissipates the energy stored in the inductor, leading to a current of zero over time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the behavior of the inductor before and after the switch is closed, but there are nuances in understanding the implications of the transient response and the final state of the inductor current. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved regarding the exact dynamics of energy dissipation and current flow through the components involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference a circuit diagram that is not included in the discussion, which may limit the clarity of some claims. The discussion also hinges on assumptions about the circuit configuration and the definitions of steady state and transient behavior.

berry1991
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With the statement of:
"The circuit is at steady state before the switch closes"

Does this means when t<0, the inductor is at steady state and it is short circuit. Am I correct?

Then when t>0, the switch is closed and the inductor is also in a steady state?

When t=∞, the inductor is definitely in a steady state. Thus the inductor can be represented with a short-circuit.
 

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berry1991 said:
With the statement of:
"The circuit is at steady state before the switch closes"

Does this means when t<0, the inductor is at steady state and it is short circuit. Am I correct?
The circuit is at steady state, which means that nothing is changing (all currents and potentials are constant). The inductor is behaving as a short circuit and is carrying a constant current.
Then when t>0, the switch is closed and the inductor is also in a steady state?
At the instant the switch closes the circuit is not longer in steady state; it will move towards a NEW steady state from that instant onwards, eventually reaching it after some long time period (t --> ∞). This is called the transient period.
When t=∞, the inductor is definitely in a steady state. Thus the inductor can be represented with a short-circuit.
Yes.
 
gneill said:
At the instant the switch closes the circuit is not longer in steady state; it will move towards a NEW steady state from that instant onwards, eventually reaching it after some long time period (t --> ∞). This is called the transient period.

So the current before and after the switch is closed:

I(0-) = I(0+)=I(0), but not equal to I(∞)

Is this correct?

Another question:

The following attachment is the circuit diagram:

The answer given for the inductor current[I(∞)] = 0A

From what that I understand, as time=∞,the switch will be closed. So all the current will be flowing through the closed-switch and there will not be any current flow into the 20Ω and the short-circuited capacitor. This explain why I(∞) for inductor is 0A.

Am I correct?
 

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Last edited:
berry1991 said:
So the current before and after the switch is closed:

I(0-) = I(0+)=I(0), but not equal to I(∞)

Is this correct?
It is correct assuming that I(t) refers to the inductor current.
Another question:

The following attachment is the circuit diagram:

The answer given for the inductor current[I(∞)] = 0A

From what that I understand, as time=∞,the switch will be closed. So all the current will be flowing through the closed-switch and there will not be any current flow into the 20Ω and the short-circuited capacitor. This explain why I(∞) for inductor is 0A.

Am I correct?

Closing the switch cuts off the inductor and 20Ω resistor from the energy source (the voltage source). The inductor is left in a circuit consisting of itself and the 20Ω resistor.

The 20Ω resistor will dissipate the energy that was stored in the inductor as the current flows through it.
 
gneill said:
Closing the switch cuts off the inductor and 20Ω resistor from the energy source (the voltage source). The inductor is left in a circuit consisting of itself and the 20Ω resistor.

The 20Ω resistor will dissipate the energy that was stored in the inductor as the current flows through it.

So in other words, after an amount of time(that is t=infinite) the current in the inductor will be zero due to the resistor dissipate the energy being stored in the inductor till 0?
 
berry1991 said:
So in other words, after an amount of time(that is t=infinite) the current in the inductor will be zero due to the resistor dissipate the energy being stored in the inductor till 0?

That's it, yes.
 
gneill said:
That's it, yes.

Now everything is clear to me now. thanks for your cooperation.
 

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