RC Circuit, Need help forming equation.

In summary, the problem involves finding i(0) for t>0 after a switch has been moved from position 1 to position 2 at t=0. Using KVL and considering the circuit at t<0, it is determined that i(0)=0 because the circuit is open. For t>0, the circuit consists of a 60k ohm resistor, a dependent voltage source, and a capacitor. KVL is used again to form a first order linear equation, resulting in i(0)=Ce^-1000t. However, this answer is incorrect due to mistakes with signs. The correct answer is .3125e^-500t, which can be obtained by carefully considering the sign convention and running the
  • #1
EEhokie13
11
0

Homework Statement


The switch has been in position 1 for a long time before moving to position 2 at t=0. Find i(0) for t>0.

Image of circuit:
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9200/circuit3.png


Homework Equations


KVL
First Order Diff Eq


The Attempt at a Solution


So to start the problem what I did was look at the circuit at t<0. I got a current for i(0) to be 0 because the circuit is open at t<0. When I switched it to position two I did KVL to form a first order linear equation. For my answer I got i(0)=Ce^(-1000t)
My teacher gave us the answer to work too and I cannot get it. He said the answer should be .3125e^(-500t)mA. Can anyone help me?
 
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  • #2
That diamond shaped thing is a voltage generator ?
It's voltage is [tex] 20.000 i_0 [/tex] ?
 
  • #3
Quinzio said:
That diamond shaped thing is a voltage generator ?
It's voltage is [tex] 20.000 i_0 [/tex] ?

the voltage is a dependent source. and yes it is 20,000i_0
 
  • #4
For my answer I got i(0)=Ce^(-1000t)

I checked your teacher answer an it is correct (no wonder).
That circuit is very simple for who (like me) works in the electornic field.

What steps did you do to get your answer ?
 
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  • #5
Quinzio said:
I checked your teacher answer an it is correct (no wonder).
That circuit is very simple for who (like me) works in the electornic field.

What steps did you do to get your answer ?

I looked at the circuit at t< 0 and said that the capacitor makes an open circuit. So the dependent voltage source goes away and you are left with an open circuit and the voltage source and resistor. Since its an open circuit I said there is no current for t < 0.

For t > 0 you have only part of the circuit do to the switch so you are left with: The 60k ohm resistor, the dependent source, and the capacitor. I did KVL and ot 60ki(0) - (2*10^4)i(0) - 1/c(integral from 0 to t)idt + 25V = 0

From that I got an differtial of 1000i(0) a di/dt = 0 and got i(0)=Ce^-1000t
 
  • #6
60ki(0) - (2*10^4)i(0) - 1/c(integral from 0 to t)idt + 25V = 0

There are/is mistakes with signs.
Run the looop in the direction of i(0), and pay attention to signs.
 
  • #7
Quinzio said:
60ki(0) - (2*10^4)i(0) - 1/c(integral from 0 to t)idt + 25V = 0

There are/is mistakes with signs.
Run the looop in the direction of i(0), and pay attention to signs.

I am not sure then, I thought I was using one of the sign conventions. My professor has told us that you can do it two ways and you will get the same answer. I change it to what I believe will be the proper sign convention. Otherwise I am stuck. If you are able to please explain more it will be really helpful.

60ki(0) + (2*10^4)i(0) - 1/c(integral from 0 to t)idt + 25V = 0
 

FAQ: RC Circuit, Need help forming equation.

How do I calculate the time constant of an RC circuit?

The time constant of an RC circuit can be calculated using the formula τ = RC, where R is the resistance in ohms and C is the capacitance in farads.

What is the equation for the voltage across a capacitor in an RC circuit?

The equation for the voltage across a capacitor in an RC circuit is Vc = V0(1-e^(-t/RC)), where V0 is the initial voltage and t is the time.

How does the resistance in an RC circuit affect the charging time?

The higher the resistance in an RC circuit, the longer it takes for the capacitor to charge. This is because a higher resistance means a smaller current flowing through the circuit, resulting in a slower rate of charge for the capacitor.

Can I use the RC circuit equation to calculate the voltage across a resistor?

No, the RC circuit equation is specifically for calculating the voltage across a capacitor. To calculate the voltage across a resistor, you would use Ohm's law (V=IR) or the voltage divider equation.

How can I use the RC circuit equation to find the current in the circuit?

You can use the RC circuit equation to find the current in the circuit by rearranging it to I = V/R(1-e^(-t/RC)), where V is the voltage across the capacitor and R is the resistance in the circuit.

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