Solve RL Circuit Equation: Kirchhoff's Rule Explained

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    Circuit Rl circuit
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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on deriving the Kirchhoff's equation for an RL circuit consisting of a resistor and an inductor without an external source. Participants explore the correct formulation of the equation and the underlying principles involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the equation iR - Ldi/dt = 0 but expresses confusion about its correctness.
  • Another participant suggests that the correct equation should be iR + Ldi/dt = 0.
  • A third participant agrees with the second but seeks clarification on the reasoning behind the signs in the equation.
  • A later reply introduces a more complex explanation involving Faraday's Law and the right-hand rule, leading to the equation L di/dt = -R i.
  • One participant requests a simplification of the complex explanation provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct formulation of the Kirchhoff's equation, with multiple competing views presented regarding the signs and terms in the equations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the terminology and concepts used in the more technical explanations, indicating potential gaps in understanding or assumptions about prior knowledge.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals studying circuit theory, particularly those interested in RL circuits and the application of Kirchhoff's laws.

Avichal
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Suppose a circuit with resistor R and inductor L with no source. I am trying to find kirchhoffs equation for this circuit - I am getting iR -Ldi/dt = 0 as my equation which is apparently wrong. I just cannot understand how do I make equations for such circuits.
 
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Should that be iR + Ldi/dt = 0
 
Yes it should be but I don't get it why. Voltage across resistor is iR and then voltage across inductor decreases by Ldi/dt so iR-Ldi/dt=0
 
Draw your circuit and indicate an (arbitrary) direction, in which you want to count the current positive. Then use the right-hand rule to attach the surface-normal vector oriented positive relative to that direction of the current. Finally use Faraday's Law,
[tex]\partial_t \vec{B}=-\vec{\nabla} \times \vec{E},[/tex]
and integrate (line integral) along the circuit in direction of the positve current. Then the left-hand side translates into [itex]L \frac{\mathrm{d} i}{\mathrm{d}t}[/itex] for compact circuits, and the right-hand side you can transform into an integral along the surface, translating into [itex]-R i[/itex], where we have made use of Ohm's Law, [itex]\vec{E}=\vec{j}/\sigma[/itex]. From this you get the desired equation,
[tex]L \frac{\mathrm{d} i}{\mathrm{d} t}=-R i.[/tex]
 
Sorry I am unaware of some of the things you said. Can you simplify please?
 

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