# RLC circuit

## Homework Statement

Question and part 1 as above. The second part involves solving this equation where $$L = 8R^2 C$$. The system is kept in steady state by maintaining V(t) = -Q/C (constant). V(t) is then set to 0 at t=0.

It also says "Note that V(t)=0 for t>0 and that appropriate initial conditions
at (or just after) t=0 are that q=Q and dq/dt= −Q/CR."

## The Attempt at a Solution

The first part is just very tedious math, but I managed to get it.

The second part is just a second order ODE, but I am unable to get the answer which is

Given the differential equation above, and substituting V = -Q/C, dV/dt = 0, the right hand side becomes a constant. This means that there is a particular integral (q = k = Q), but the answer does not have the form q = Q +... !

I did it a few times but keep getting back to the same problem. However, if I do attempt a solution that omits the particular integral, I do get the answer needed. Why is this the case?

tiny-tim
Homework Helper
Hi bigevil!

Yes, the given solution for q is a "general" solution for the original equation, and should have a Q added to it, but
The system is kept in steady state by maintaining V(t) = -Q/C (constant). V(t) is then set to 0 at t=0.

It also says "Note that V(t)=0 for t>0 and that appropriate initial conditions
at (or just after) t=0 are that q=Q and dq/dt= −Q/CR."
I don't completely understand what's going on here, but it seems to be changing the original RHS to zero (instead of Q/LC), so no particular solution is needed …

(perhaps they're charging the capacitor using the battery until t = 0, and then turning the battery off?)

does that make any sense?

Yes, I think so, tim, thanks =)