RL Circuit Charging: The Effects of Closing the Switch on Inductor Charge

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of an RL circuit when the switch closes, specifically regarding the inductor's current. It is established that an inductor does not "charge" but rather sustains a current. When the switch closes, the inductor transitions from sustaining a constant current to sustaining a larger current, ultimately reaching four times the initial current level. This phenomenon occurs despite the inductor being previously fully charged while the switch was open.

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  • Familiarity with current and voltage relationships in inductors
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What happens when the switch closes? Does the inductor continue to charge? If yes, how can this be so when the inductor is already fully charged (the question says the switch was open for a long time, so I assumed it has been fully charged)?
 
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First, an inductor does not 'charge'. It sustains a current.

Before the switch closes the inductor sustains a certain constant current. When the switch closes the inductor current will start to sustain a larger current. Eventually it will sustain 4 times as much current as before the switch was closed.
 

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