When Voltage is Constant (DC), is current also constant?

Ocata
Messages
198
Reaction score
5

Homework Statement



When Voltage is oscillating (A/C), then in a simple circle with steady resistance, the current will be proportional to the voltage. When voltage increases, current will increase. And when voltage decreases, voltage will decrease. Is it also true that in a simple circuit with constant resistance, when voltage is steady (DC), then current will also be steady.

P.S.
by "steady," I mean a horizontal line on the graph.

Homework Equations



V = IR

The Attempt at a Solution


Supposing this is correct based on observing that graphs of AC voltage (represented by some sort of sine function) are usually accompanied by current represented by a sine function. I have not seen an a/c voltage graph accompanied by a steady horizontal line for current.

Thus I assume that if current is to remain proportional to a steady resistance, the current has to maintain the same "flow pattern" (perhaps different amplitude, but same frequency and phase etc) on the graph as voltage.

Thanks
 
That is true when the circuit contains pure resistance. To the extent the circuit possesses inductance or capacitance, however, voltage and current will be out of phase.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Ocata
Ocata said:
Is it also true that in a simple circuit with constant resistance, when voltage is steady (DC), then current will also be steady.
If the circuit contains only resistors, then the current will be constant.
If the circuit contains energy storing elements like inductor or capacitor, the transient of the current is a combination of exponential and sinusoidal function w.r.t time.
Look up 'step response of series RLC circuit.'
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Ocata
Thank you both.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
60
Views
14K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
16K
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
15K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
9K