RL Circuit Initial Current Simplification

[DaveE]

Yes I2 = -I3...wondering if you could help me solve the problem from here...

I thought we were. If you are asking us to solve it for you, then probably not. The point isn't to get the answer, it's to learn how to get the answer the next time. What is it that you don't understand about your own work on this problem?

 

[DaveE]

Let's back up a bit and deal with some basics first. Do you know 1st year calculus? Is there anything about these (equivalent) inductor equations that you find confusing?

$$ v(t) = L⋅ \frac{di(t)}{dt} \Leftrightarrow i(t) = \frac{1}{L} \int_0^t v(\tau) \, d\tau + i(0) $$

 

[alan123hk]

Maybe try to simplify the problem as shown below. Reopen the switch after the circuit has settled down, is it possible that the initial current of the inductor is $~\frac{E}{R1+R_2}=\frac{1}{1+1}=0.5A$ ?