Solve RLC Circuit w/Switch Homework Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a homework problem related to an RLC circuit with a switch. Participants explore the application of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) and the formulation of differential equations to analyze the circuit's behavior over time.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using KVL to establish the relationship between the voltages across the capacitor, inductor, and resistor.
  • There is a suggestion that the input voltage, Vi, is likely meant to be 1/2V, although this is not confirmed.
  • One participant outlines the differential equations relating current and voltage for the capacitor and inductor, leading to a second-order differential equation.
  • Another participant questions whether the constant 1/2 in the equation is relevant after taking the derivative.
  • There is a discussion about substituting specific values for C, L, and R into the derived equations.
  • One participant derives a characteristic equation and finds roots, seeking clarification on the next steps in the solution process.
  • Responses include suggestions about the form of the solution and the need to apply initial conditions, though specifics about those conditions are debated.
  • Participants express uncertainty about determining initial conditions based on the circuit configuration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach of using KVL and forming differential equations, but there is no consensus on the relevance of certain constants, the form of the solution, or the initial conditions required for solving the problem.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear definitions of initial conditions based on the circuit diagram and unresolved steps in the derivation of the differential equations.

phufool
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Homework Statement


Provided in the picture below.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


So what I've done so far is use KVL to obtain Vc(t) +Vr(t) + Vo(t) = 1/2Vin(t).
Could someone tell me if I started this problem correctly? Would I just take the derivative of the equation next?
 

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phufool said:

Homework Statement


Provided in the picture below.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


So what I've done so far is use KVL to obtain Vc(t) +Vr(t) + Vo(t) = 1/2Vin(t).
Could someone tell me if I started this problem correctly? Would I just take the derivative of the equation next?

Welcome to the PF. I think the input Vi is meant to have the value of 1/2V, but it's hard to tell for sure from the drawing.

And yes, writing the KVL around the loop is a good approach, but you need to use the differential equations that relate I and V for the capacitor and inductor. That's where you end up with one differential and one integral. And yes, you then differentiate that equation to get a 2nd order DE, which you then solve and apply the initial conditions to.
 
Thanks for the reply! And yes I think you're right, it is probably 1/2 V. So then the differential equation would look like: Vc(t) + VL(t) + Vo(t) = 1/2 .
Vo(t) = Ri(t)
VL(t) = Ldi(t)/dt
Vc(t) = 1/C integral from -infinity to t of i(a)da
So if I plug these into the equation and take the derivative, would I get:
1/C*i(t) + Ld^2i(t)/dt^t + Rdi(t)/dt = 0? So the 1/2 would just be irrelevant?

So for these C, L, and R variables, would I just substitute these for the numbers given in the problem? Say C = 1/2, L= 1/4, and R = 1?PS: Is there a program/website I can use to make these equations look nicer? I'm sure what I'm typing must be hard to read lol.
 
So I was hoping if someone could still help me with this equation?
From the above equation: 1/C*i(t) + Ld^2i(t)/dt^t + Rdi(t)/dt = 0?
Since i(t) = 1/R * Vo(t), I would substitue i(t) and the values of C, L and R and get:
1/4*d^2Vo(t)/dt + dVo(t)/dt + 2Vo(t) = 0
So I assume Vo(t) = Ae^st and get the roots: s = -2+-2i
Can anyone tell me what to do next or if I'm doing this correctly? Thanks
 
phufool said:
So I was hoping if someone could still help me with this equation?
From the above equation: 1/C*i(t) + Ld^2i(t)/dt^t + Rdi(t)/dt = 0?
Since i(t) = 1/R * Vo(t), I would substitue i(t) and the values of C, L and R and get:
1/4*d^2Vo(t)/dt + dVo(t)/dt + 2Vo(t) = 0
So I assume Vo(t) = Ae^st and get the roots: s = -2+-2i
Can anyone tell me what to do next or if I'm doing this correctly? Thanks

The response will be a damped sinusoid, so your exponential term should have both sigma and j*omege in it. Something like:

[tex]V_o(t) = A e^{B(\sigma + j\omega)}[/tex]

Use that, differentiate, substitute back, and apply initial conditions to solve for the constants.
 
Thanks so much! Now the trouble I'm having is knowing what are the initial conditions. I can't seem to understand it based on the circuit given. Do you think you could help explain it to me?
 
phufool said:
Thanks so much! Now the trouble I'm having is knowing what are the initial conditions. I can't seem to understand it based on the circuit given. Do you think you could help explain it to me?

Glad that helped. BTW, the coefficient B may just be 1, but I'm not sure. You should be able to tell as you apply the ICs.

At time t=0-, the switch is open, so there is zero current, and zero voltage across the elements to the right of the switch. At t=0, the switch is closed, so all of a sudden you have the supply voltage across the series RLC combination. That will let the current start to build, and the voltage division between those 3 components will start to change with time...
 

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