Engineering The Mystery of the Inductor's Initial Current

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the behavior of an ideal inductor with a resistance of zero, where the initial current is 20A, and no current flows through a 0.1-ohm resistor branch. Participants confirm that when the switch is closed, the circuit effectively consists only of the current source and the inductor. They explore the implications of introducing resistance to the inductor, noting that if it had a resistance, the current would split between branches. The conversation emphasizes the assumption of ideal components in these types of electrical questions. Understanding these principles is crucial for analyzing circuits involving inductors.
influx
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Why is the initial current through the inductor 20A? Surely the current splits at the junctions?
 
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It is an ideal inductor, it has a resistance of 0. The splitting still gives 20 A to the inductor.
 
mfb said:
It is an ideal inductor, it has a resistance of 0. The splitting still gives 20 A to the inductor.

So no current enters the 0.1 ohm resistor branch? Also, do we always assume its an ideal conductor in these types of questions?
 
influx said:
So no current enters the 0.1 ohm resistor branch?
Right.
Also, do we always assume its an ideal conductor in these types of questions?
To model a real inductor, we could simply add a series resistor in the sketch.
 
mfb said:
...

If no current passes through the 0.1 ohm resistor then I am assuming no current passes through the other resistors either? So effectively, when the switch is closed, the circuit consists of just the current source and the inductor?
 
mfb said:
Sure.

If the inductor did have some resistance, let's say 0.01ohms, would that mean that the 20A is split between branches?
 

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