Understanding the Constant of Integration in RL Circuit Equations

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with understanding the solution for a differential equation of an RL circuit. The conversation goes on to clarify the error in the solution, which involved a missing negative sign and incorrect application of the constant of integration. The final conclusion is that both expressions for i(t) come out the same when the errors are corrected.
  • #1
rajeshmarndi
319
0
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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  • #2
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 ?
 
  • #3
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:
  • #4
Can you see that both expressions for ##\ i(t)\ ## come out the same in you first post (with signs fixed) ?
 

Related to Understanding the Constant of Integration in RL Circuit Equations

What is an integral constant?

An integral constant is a fixed numerical value that is used in mathematical and scientific calculations. It is a specific type of constant that cannot be changed or altered during the course of a calculation or experiment.

What is the purpose of an integral constant?

The purpose of an integral constant is to provide a fixed value that can be used repeatedly in calculations or experiments. This helps to ensure consistency and accuracy in the results.

How is an integral constant different from other types of constants?

An integral constant is different from other types of constants, such as variables or symbolic constants, because it has a specific numerical value that cannot be changed. Variables, on the other hand, can have different values and can be manipulated in calculations.

Can an integral constant be negative?

Yes, an integral constant can be negative. It can take on any numerical value, positive or negative, as long as it remains constant throughout the calculation or experiment.

What is an example of an integral constant in science?

An example of an integral constant in science is Avogadro's number, which is a constant used in chemistry to represent the number of particles in one mole of a substance. It has a fixed value of 6.022 x 10^23 and is used in various calculations involving chemical reactions and concentrations.

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