<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >
I = I 0 e t / τ     (turning off). size 12{I=I rSub { size 8{0} } e rSup { size 8{ - t/τ} } } {}

(See [link] (c).) In the first period of time τ = L / R size 12{τ=L/R} {} after the switch is closed, the current falls to 0.368 of its initial value, since I = I 0 e 1 = 0 . 368 I 0 size 12{I=I rSub { size 8{0} } e rSup { size 8{ - 1} } =0 "." "368"I rSub { size 8{0} } } {} . In each successive time τ size 12{τ} {} , the current falls to 0.368 of the preceding value, and in a few multiples of τ size 12{τ} {} , the current becomes very close to zero, as seen in the graph in [link] (c).

Calculating characteristic time and current in an RL Circuit

(a) What is the characteristic time constant for a 7.50 mH inductor in series with a 3.00 Ω resistor? (b) Find the current 5.00 ms after the switch is moved to position 2 to disconnect the battery, if it is initially 10.0 A.

Strategy for (a)

The time constant for an RL circuit is defined by τ = L / R size 12{τ=L/R} {} .

Solution for (a)

Entering known values into the expression for τ size 12{τ} {} given in τ = L / R size 12{τ=L/R} {} yields

τ = L R = 7.50 mH 3.00 Ω = 2.50 ms. size 12{τ= { {L} over {R} } = { {7 "." "50"" mH"} over {3 "." "00 " %OMEGA } } =2 "." "50"" ms"} {}

Discussion for (a)

This is a small but definitely finite time. The coil will be very close to its full current in about ten time constants, or about 25 ms.

Strategy for (b)

We can find the current by using I = I 0 e t / τ size 12{I=I rSub { size 8{0} } e rSup { size 8{ - t/τ} } } {} , or by considering the decline in steps. Since the time is twice the characteristic time, we consider the process in steps.

Solution for (b)

In the first 2.50 ms, the current declines to 0.368 of its initial value, which is

I = 0 . 368 I 0 = ( 0 . 368 ) ( 10.0 A ) = 3 . 68 A at  t = 2 . 50  ms.

After another 2.50 ms, or a total of 5.00 ms, the current declines to 0.368 of the value just found. That is,

I = 0 . 368 I = ( 0 . 368 ) ( 3.68 A ) = 1 . 35  A at  t = 5 . 00  ms. alignl { stack { size 12{ { {I}} sup { ' }=0 "." "368"I= \( 0 "." "368" \) \( 3 "." "68"" A" \) } {} #size 12{" "=1 "." "35"" A at "t=5 "." "00"" ms"} {} } } {}

Discussion for (b)

After another 5.00 ms has passed, the current will be 0.183 A (see [link] ); so, although it does die out, the current certainly does not go to zero instantaneously.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

In summary, when the voltage applied to an inductor is changed, the current also changes, but the change in current lags the change in voltage in an RL circuit . In Reactance, Inductive and Capacitive , we explore how an RL circuit behaves when a sinusoidal AC voltage is applied.

Section summary

  • When a series connection of a resistor and an inductor—an RL circuit—is connected to a voltage source, the time variation of the current is
    I = I 0 ( 1 e t / τ )     (turning on). size 12{I=I rSub { size 8{0} } \( 1 - e rSup { size 8{ - t/τ} } \) } {}
    where I 0 = V / R size 12{I rSub { size 8{0} } =V/R} {} is the final current.
  • The characteristic time constant τ size 12{τ} {} is τ = L R size 12{τ= { {L} over {R} } } {} , where L is the inductance and R is the resistance.
  • In the first time constant τ size 12{τ} {} , the current rises from zero to 0 . 632 I 0 size 12{0 "." "632"I rSub { size 8{0} } } {} , and 0.632 of the remainder in every subsequent time interval τ size 12{τ} {} .
  • When the inductor is shorted through a resistor, current decreases as
    I = I 0 e t / τ     (turning off). size 12{I=I rSub { size 8{0} } e rSup { size 8{ - t/τ} } } {}
    Here I 0 size 12{I rSub { size 8{0} } } {} is the initial current.
  • Current falls to 0 . 368 I 0 size 12{0 "." "368"I rSub { size 8{0} } } {} in the first time interval τ size 12{τ} {} , and 0.368 of the remainder toward zero in each subsequent time τ size 12{τ} {} .

Problem exercises

If you want a characteristic RL time constant of 1.00 s, and you have a 500 Ω resistor, what value of self-inductance is needed?

500 H

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Your RL circuit has a characteristic time constant of 20.0 ns, and a resistance of 5.00 MΩ . (a) What is the inductance of the circuit? (b) What resistance would give you a 1.00 ns time constant, perhaps needed for quick response in an oscilloscope?

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

A large superconducting magnet, used for magnetic resonance imaging, has a 50.0 H inductance. If you want current through it to be adjustable with a 1.00 s characteristic time constant, what is the minimum resistance of system?

50.0 Ω

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Verify that after a time of 10.0 ms, the current for the situation considered in [link] will be 0.183 A as stated.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Suppose you have a supply of inductors ranging from 1.00 nH to 10.0 H, and resistors ranging from 0.100 Ω to 1.00 MΩ . What is the range of characteristic RL time constants you can produce by connecting a single resistor to a single inductor?

1 . 00 × 10 –18 s size 12{1 "." "00" times "10" rSup { size 8{"-15"} } " s"} {} to 0.100 s

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

(a) What is the characteristic time constant of a 25.0 mH inductor that has a resistance of 4.00 Ω ? (b) If it is connected to a 12.0 V battery, what is the current after 12.5 ms?

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

What percentage of the final current I 0 flows through an inductor L size 12{L} {} in series with a resistor R size 12{R} {} , three time constants after the circuit is completed?

95.0%

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

The 5.00 A current through a 1.50 H inductor is dissipated by a 2.00 Ω resistor in a circuit like that in [link] with the switch in position 2. (a) What is the initial energy in the inductor? (b) How long will it take the current to decline to 5.00% of its initial value? (c) Calculate the average power dissipated, and compare it with the initial power dissipated by the resistor.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

(a) Use the exact exponential treatment to find how much time is required to bring the current through an 80.0 mH inductor in series with a 15.0 Ω resistor to 99.0% of its final value, starting from zero. (b) Compare your answer to the approximate treatment using integral numbers of τ size 12{τ} {} . (c) Discuss how significant the difference is.

(a) 24.6 ms

(b) 26.7 ms

(c) 9% difference, which is greater than the inherent uncertainty in the given parameters.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

(a) Using the exact exponential treatment, find the time required for the current through a 2.00 H inductor in series with a 0.500 Ω resistor to be reduced to 0.100% of its original value. (b) Compare your answer to the approximate treatment using integral numbers of τ size 12{τ} {} . (c) Discuss how significant the difference is.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Questions & Answers

Discuss the differences between taste and flavor, including how other sensory inputs contribute to our  perception of flavor.
John Reply
taste refers to your understanding of the flavor . while flavor one The other hand is refers to sort of just a blend things.
Faith
While taste primarily relies on our taste buds, flavor involves a complex interplay between taste and aroma
Kamara
which drugs can we use for ulcers
Ummi Reply
omeprazole
Kamara
what
Renee
what is this
Renee
is a drug
Kamara
of anti-ulcer
Kamara
Omeprazole Cimetidine / Tagament For the complicated once ulcer - kit
Patrick
what is the function of lymphatic system
Nency Reply
Not really sure
Eli
to drain extracellular fluid all over the body.
asegid
The lymphatic system plays several crucial roles in the human body, functioning as a key component of the immune system and contributing to the maintenance of fluid balance. Its main functions include: 1. Immune Response: The lymphatic system produces and transports lymphocytes, which are a type of
asegid
to transport fluids fats proteins and lymphocytes to the blood stream as lymph
Adama
what is anatomy
Oyindarmola Reply
Anatomy is the identification and description of the structures of living things
Kamara
what's the difference between anatomy and physiology
Oyerinde Reply
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body, while physiology is the study of the function of the body. Anatomy looks at the body's organs and systems, while physiology looks at how those organs and systems work together to keep the body functioning.
AI-Robot
what is enzymes all about?
Mohammed Reply
Enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in our bodies. Enzymes are essential for digestion, liver function and much more. Too much or too little of a certain enzyme can cause health problems
Kamara
yes
Prince
how does the stomach protect itself from the damaging effects of HCl
Wulku Reply
little girl okay how does the stomach protect itself from the damaging effect of HCL
Wulku
it is because of the enzyme that the stomach produce that help the stomach from the damaging effect of HCL
Kamara
function of digestive system
Ali Reply
function of digestive
Ali
the diagram of the lungs
Adaeze Reply
what is the normal body temperature
Diya Reply
37 degrees selcius
Xolo
37°c
Stephanie
please why 37 degree selcius normal temperature
Mark
36.5
Simon
37°c
Iyogho
the normal temperature is 37°c or 98.6 °Fahrenheit is important for maintaining the homeostasis in the body the body regular this temperature through the process called thermoregulation which involves brain skin muscle and other organ working together to maintain stable internal temperature
Stephanie
37A c
Wulku
what is anaemia
Diya Reply
anaemia is the decrease in RBC count hemoglobin count and PVC count
Eniola
what is the pH of the vagina
Diya Reply
how does Lysin attack pathogens
Diya
acid
Mary
I information on anatomy position and digestive system and there enzyme
Elisha Reply
anatomy of the female external genitalia
Muhammad Reply
Organ Systems Of The Human Body (Continued) Organ Systems Of The Human Body (Continued)
Theophilus Reply
what's lochia albra
Kizito
Got questions? Join the online conversation and get instant answers!
Jobilize.com Reply
Practice Key Terms 1

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, College physics for ap® courses. OpenStax CNX. Nov 04, 2016 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11844/1.14
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'College physics for ap® courses' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask