Solving LC-Circuit Problem: Q & I as Func. of Time

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an LC-circuit problem involving the charge on a capacitor and the current through an inductor, with specific values for inductance and capacitance provided. The original poster is attempting to derive expressions for charge and current as functions of time, while grappling with discrepancies between their results and those presented in a textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the standard form of the solution for charge and current, raising questions about the phase displacement and the accuracy of their calculations compared to the textbook. Others suggest checking the differential equation setup and solving it directly, while some participants question the correctness of the initial conditions and the book's provided answers.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing different perspectives on the approach to solving the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the differential equation, and there is an acknowledgment of potential errors in the original poster's calculations as well as in the textbook's answers.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of verifying initial conditions and the potential for typographical errors in the equations. The original poster expresses uncertainty due to this being their first LC-circuit problem.

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Homework Statement




In an LC-circuit, with:

L = 64 mH
C = 121 nF

where at t=0,

Q = 10*10^-6 C , (the charge on the capasitor)
I = 0,3 A, (the current through the inductor)

Write an expression for the charge on the capacitor and the current through the inductor as a function of time.

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried this several times from stratch now, and while I do get an answer, according to the book I'm wrong. The standard form of a solution for Q, is Q = Qm*cos(wt + phi), where phi is the phase displacement. My strategy is to write both the expressions for Q and I, both containing the unknown parameters phi and Qm, and solving the system of two equations with two unknowns.

However, I always get phi = -1,20, whereas the answer in the book is phi = -0,922. I've attached my latest handwritten attempt at a solution, thanks for any help!
 

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Update:

I decided to check the answer in the book. The answer the book gives for the current function is:

I = 0,642*cos(Wt + pi/2 - 0,922), where w = 1,14*10^4

However, when setting t=0, this function gives an output I of 0,511. That is not equal to the problem's initial condition of I = 0,3!

The answer I got after substituting the variables back is:

I = 0,322*cos(wt + pi/2 - 1,2), where w = 11364

which coincidentally checks out as I = 0,3 when t=0.

I therefore conclude that the book is wrong, but I still would very much like a second opinion on this one. This is my first LC-circuit problem, so it's really hard to be too confident in my calculations.

Would greatly appreciate any help! :)
 
Your differential equation is wrong. The solution of LQ"-Q/C=0 is not periodic at all. There should be "+" instead of "-". ehild
 
Try solving it directly using differential equation rather than using the derived formula. It is always easier and better to understand and solve the equations rather than memorizing formulae.

This will help. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LC_circuit
 
You are correct, but it's just a typo, I solved it as if it were a plus. Anyway, I do know how to solve this differential equation. What I thought gave me trouble was solving for the initial conditions, but seeing how the answer in the book didn't check out when I tested it, whereas mine did, I actually do believe I got the right answer from the beginning.

Thanks for replying!
 

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