Understanding First Order Circuits: DC vs. AC

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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the behavior of inductors in parallel circuits under DC conditions, specifically addressing a common misconception that inductors act as short circuits in such scenarios. The participants emphasize that the presence of a voltage source, Vo(t) = 2V, indicates current flow through all branches, including the inductor. By applying Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL), it is established that the inductor does not short out the circuit but rather allows current to flow through it, confirming its role in the circuit's dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)
  • Basic knowledge of circuit components: resistors and inductors
  • Familiarity with DC circuit analysis
  • Concept of voltage sources in parallel circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the behavior of inductors in AC circuits
  • Learn about transient response in RL circuits
  • Explore the implications of KCL in complex circuits
  • Investigate the effects of different voltage sources on circuit behavior
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of circuit analysis involving inductors and parallel configurations.

edsys89
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Hi, I'm confused with the solution given for this practice problem.
All of these components are said to be in parallel, yet the current is worked out only across the resistors. I thought the inductor would be a short circuit to DC.
Am I looking at this backwards, is it modelling the inductor charging up?
 

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edsys89 said:
Hi, I'm confused with the solution given for this practice problem.
All of these components are said to be in parallel, yet the current is worked out only across the resistors. I thought the inductor would be a short circuit to DC.
Am I looking at this backwards, is it modelling the inductor charging up?

The sole fact that are you given Vo(t) = 2V implies that there must be current running through the other branch of resistance because there is voltage across it. (They are in parallel) Since this current isn't identical to the current in the other resistor branch, by KCL some of it must be flowing through the inductor.

This is enough to conclude that it's not being shorted out by the inductor.
 
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