Understanding the Constant of Integration in RL Circuit Equations

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    Constant Integral
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the constant of integration in the context of solving differential equations for RL circuits. Participants explore the implications of integrating the equations and the resulting constants, focusing on the integration process and the conditions applied.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over obtaining two different values for the constant of integration, K, when integrating the same differential equation for an RL circuit.
  • Another participant suggests that the factor of 1/3 in the integration should also apply to K, indicating a potential oversight in the integration process.
  • A later reply acknowledges missing negative signs in earlier calculations and questions whether a referenced solution is incorrect based on the integration steps taken.
  • There is a suggestion that both expressions for the current, i(t), may yield the same result if the signs are corrected, although this is not definitively established.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct value of K or the validity of the integration steps. Multiple competing views remain regarding the integration process and its implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants note missing signs and factors in their calculations, which may affect the interpretation of the results. The discussion highlights the importance of careful handling of constants during integration.

rajeshmarndi
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I am having problem on understanding the below solution regarding constant of integration.
On integrating an differential equation of RL circuit , for e.g
$$10i + 3\frac{di}{dt} = 50 $$
$$i.e \frac{di}{50-10i} =\frac{dt}{3}$$
Integrate
$$\frac{1}{10} \int\frac{1}{5-i} di = \frac{1}{3}∫dt ...(1)$$
$$\frac{1}{10}ln(5-i) = \frac{t}{3} + K$$
Since i(0) = 0,
$$\frac{1}{10}ln(5-0) = 0 + K$$
( I understand since it's an RL circuit equation, I assumed when i=0 , also t=0 )
$$K = \frac{-ln5}{10}$$Now if I do the above solution at (1), as
$$\frac{3}{10} ∫\frac{1}{5-i} di = ∫dt$$​
$$\frac{3}{10} ln(5-i) = t + k $$
At i(0)=0,$$K = - \frac{3}{10}ln 5$$

I get two different value of K.
On substituting the value of K in the equation. I will get different value of i.

Please clarify the mistake. Thanks.
 
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The 1/3 in (1) should also apply to K ...
rajeshmarndi said:
On substituting the value of K in the equation. I will get different value of i.
Shouldn't be the case. Can you show ?
 
BvU said:
The 1/3 in (1) should also apply to K ...
Shouldn't be the case. Can you show ?
I was looking the below link, example 8 solution
https://www.intmath.com/differential-equations/2-separation-variables.php

This is how it integrate.
Integrate
$$\frac{1}{10} \int\frac{1}{5-i} di = \frac{1}{3}∫dt ...(1)$$
$$-\frac{1}{10}ln(5-i) = \frac{t}{3} + K ...(2) $$
(I missed the -ve sign in my post)
Since i(0) = 0,
$$-\frac{1}{10}ln(5-0) = 0 + K $$
(-ve sign was also missing here earlier)
$$K = \frac{-ln5}{10}...(3)$$

Does it mean ...(2) is wrong in the above link
and it should be as,
$$-\frac{1}{10}ln(5-i) = \frac{1}{3} (t+ K) ...(2)$$
Hence, since i(0)=0 and t=0,
$$-\frac{1}{10}ln5 = \frac{K}{3}$$
$$∴K = -\frac{3}{10}ln 5 $$​
 
Last edited:
Can you see that both expressions for ##\ i(t)\ ## come out the same in you first post (with signs fixed) ?
 

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