198 Chapter 4 Transients

is of the form of the form

xc (t) = K1 es1 t + K2 es2 t xc (t) = K1 e−αt cos(ωn t) + K2 e−αt sin(ωn t)

If the damping ratio equals unity, the circuit The normalized step response for second-
is critically damped, and the natural response is order systems is shown in Figure 4.29 on page 188
of the form for several values of the damping ratio.
xc (t) = K1 es1 t + K2 tes1 t 5. The MATLAB Symbolic Toolbox is a power-
ful tool for solving the equations for transient
If the damping ratio is less than unity, the cir- circuits. A step-by-step procedure is given on
cuit is underdamped, and the natural response is page 192.

Note: You can check the answers to many of from National Instruments or OrCAD Capture from
the problems in this chapter by using a computer- Cadence Inc.
aided circuit-analysis program such as Multisim

Problems
Section 4.1: First-Order RC Circuits *P4.4. Repeat Problem P4.3 for an initial voltage
P4.1. A capacitance C discharges through a resis- vC (0+) = −50 V.
tance R. Define and give an expression for *P4.5. The dielectric materials used in real capac-
the time constant. To attain a long time con- itors are not perfect insulators. A resistance
stant, do we need large or small values for R? called a leakage resistance in parallel with the
For C? capacitance can model this imperfection. A
P4.2. An initially charged capacitance discharges 100-μF capacitor is initially charged to 100 V.
through a resistance. At one time con- We want 90 percent of the initial energy to
stant, what percentage of the initial voltage remain after one minute. What is the limit on
remains? What percentage of the initial stored the leakage resistance for this capacitor?
energy remains? P4.6. At t = 0, a 0.2-μF capacitance is charged to
P4.3. The initial voltage across the capacitor shown an unknown voltage Vi . The capacitance is in
in Figure P4.3 is vC (0+) = 0. Find an expres- parallel with a 3-k resistance. At t = 1 ms,
sion for the voltage across the capacitor as a the voltage across the capacitance is 10 V.
function of time, and sketch to scale versus Determine the value of Vi .
time. P4.7. The capacitor shown in Figure P4.7 is
charged to a voltage of 50 V prior to t = 0.
t=0
a. Find expressions for the voltage across
R = 100 kΩ the capacitor vC (t) and the voltage across
the resistor vR (t). b. Find an expression
+ + for the power delivered to the resistor. c. Inte-
vs = 100 V vC (t) C = 0.01 mF grate the power from t = 0 to t = ∞ to find
the energy delivered. d. Show that the energy
− −
delivered to the resistor is equal to the energy
stored in the capacitor prior to t = 0.
Figure P4.3

∗ Denotes that answers are contained in the Student Solutions files. See Appendix E for more information about accessing the Student
Solutions.
 Problems 199

t=0 P4.12. The purchasing power P of a certain unit

of currency declines by 3 percent per year.
+ + Determine the time constant associated with
C R= the purchasing power of this currency.
0.02 mF vC (t) vR(t)
1 MΩ
P4.13. At t = 0, an initially uncharged 10-μF capac-
− −
itance is connected to a charging circuit con-
Figure P4.7
sisting of a 1000-V voltage source in series
with a 1-M resistance. At t = 25 s, the
capacitor is disconnected from the charging
P4.8. We use the time constant to characterize circuit and connected in parallel with a 2-M
transients in electric circuits. In physics, resistor. Determine the voltage across the
the half-life is often used to characterize the capacitor at t = 25 s and at t = 50 s. (Hint:
exponential decay of physical quantities such You may find it convenient to redefine the
as radioactive substances. The half-life is the time variable to be t  = t − 25 for the dis-
time required for the quantity to decay to half charge interval so that the discharge starts at
of its initial value. The time constant for the t  = 0.)
voltage on a capacitance discharging through P4.14. A person shuffling across a dry carpet can be
a resistance is τ = RC. Find an expression for approximately modeled as a charged 100-pF
the half-life of the voltage in terms of R and C. capacitance with one end grounded. If the
P4.9. Find an expression for v(t) for the circuit person touches a grounded metallic object
shown in Figure P4.9 and sketch v(t) to scale such as a water faucet, the capacitance is
versus time. discharged and the person experiences a
brief shock. Typically, the capacitance may
be charged to 20,000 V and the resistance
+ (mainly of one’s finger) is 100 . Deter-
R= C mine the peak current during discharge and
1 mA t=0 v(t) 10 kΩ 1 mF
− the time constant of the current.
P4.15. A capacitance C is charged to an initial volt-
Figure P4.9 age Vi . At t = 0, a resistance R is connected
across the capacitance. Write an expression
for the current. Then, integrate the current
*P4.10. A 100-μF capacitance is initially charged to from t = 0 to t = ∞, and show that the result
1000 V. At t = 0, it is connected to a 1-k is equal to the initial charge stored on the
resistance. At what time t 2 has 50 percent of capacitance.
the initial energy stored in the capacitance
been dissipated in the resistance? *P4.16. At time t 1 , a capacitance C is charged to
*P4.11. At t = 0, a charged 10-μF capacitance is con- a voltage of V 1 . Then, the capacitance dis-
nected to a voltmeter, as shown in Figure charges through a resistance R. Write an
P4.11. The meter can be modeled as a resis- expression for the voltage across the capaci-
tance. At t = 0, the meter reads 50 V. At t = tance as a function of time for t > t 1 in terms
30 s, the reading is 25 V. Find the resistance of R, C, V 1 , and t 1 .
of the voltmeter. P4.17. In the circuit of Figure P4.17, the switch
instantaneously moves back and forth
between contacts A and B, spending 1 s in
each position. Thus, the capacitor repeatedly
t=0 charges for 1 s and then discharges for 1 s.
10 mF VM Assume that vC (0) = 0 and that the switch
moves to position A at t = 0. Determine
vC (1), vC (2), vC (3), and vC (4).
Figure P4.11
200 Chapter 4 Transients

A R *P4.22. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.22.

What is the steady-state value of vC after the
1 MΩ switch opens? Determine how long it takes
B
+ after the switch opens before vC is within
10 V
− C 1 mF
1 percent of its steady-state value.

Figure P4.17 +

10 mA t=0 1 kΩ 10 mF vC (t)
P4.18. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.18.
Prior to t = 0, v1 = 100 V and v2 = 0. −
a. Immediately after the switch is closed, what
is the value of the current [i.e., what is the
Figure P4.22
value of i(0+)]? b. Write the KVL equation
for the circuit in terms of the current and ini-
tial voltages. Take the derivative to obtain a P4.23. Solve for the steady-state values of i1 , i2 , i3 , i4 ,
differential equation. c. What is the value of and vC for the circuit shown in Figure P4.23,
the time constant in this circuit? d. Find an after the switch has been closed for a long
expression for the current as a function of time.
time. e. Find the value that v2 approaches as
t becomes very large.
i1

t=0
R = 100 kΩ i2 i3 i4
+ 1H 500 Ω
+ + 100 V 1 kΩ
C1 C2 +
1 mF
v1 i(t) v2
1 mF − 1 kΩ vC 100 mF
−
− −
Figure P4.23
Figure P4.18

Section 4.2: DC Steady State P4.24. The circuit shown in Figure P4.24 is operating
P4.19. List the steps for a dc steady-state analysis of in steady state. Determine the values of iL , vx ,
RLC circuits. and vC .
P4.20. Explain why we replace capacitances with
open circuits and inductances with short cir- 2 kΩ 3 kΩ
cuits in a dc steady-state analysis.
*P4.21. Solve for the steady-state values of i1 , i2 , and + +
i3 for the circuit shown in Figure P4.21.
5 mA vx iL 7 mH vC 1 mF

− −
10 mF
200 Ω − +
5 mH 15 V
i1 100 Ω i2
Figure P4.24
+
100 V 2A
−
1H i3
P4.25. The circuit shown in Figure P4.25 has been
set up for a long time prior to t = 0 with the
Figure P4.21 switch closed. Find the value of vC prior to
 Problems 201

t = 0. Find the steady-state value of vC after P4.28. The circuit of Figure P4.28 has been con-
the switch has been open for a long time. nected for a very long time. Determine the
values of vC and iR .

t=0

10 kΩ 2 mH
1H
iR 2 mA

10 Ω +
+
+
25 V − 15 Ω vC 100 mF vC +
− 15 V
− 1 mF −

Figure P4.25 Figure P4.28

*P4.29. In the circuit of Figure P4.29, the switch is in

P4.26. Consider the circuit of Figure P4.26 in which
position A for a long time prior to t = 0. Find
the switch has been closed for a long time
expressions for vR (t) and sketch it to scale for
prior to t = 0. Determine the values of vC (t)
−2 ≤ t ≤ 10 s.
just before t = 0 and a long time after
t = 0. Also, determine the time constant
after the switch opens and expressions for 20 kΩ A B
vC (t). Sketch vC (t) to scale versus time for t=0
−0.2 ≤ t ≤ 1.0 s. +
30 V + 10 kΩ
− + 200 kΩ vR(t)
vC 10 mF −
−
t=0 +
Figure P4.29
20 mA 2 kΩ 100 mF vC (t)
2 kΩ −
P4.30. For the circuit shown in Figure P4.30, the
switch is closed for a long time prior to t = 0.
Figure P4.26
Find expressions for vC (t) and sketch it to
scale for −60 ≤ t ≤ 300 ms.
P4.27. Consider the circuit of Figure P4.27 in which
the switch has been open for a long time prior t=0
to t = 0. Determine the values of vC (t) before
t = 0 and a long time after t = 0. Also, deter-
mine the time constant after the switch closes
and expressions for vC (t). Sketch vC (t) to 10 kΩ +
scale versus time for −2 ≤ t ≤ 5 s. 25 V
+
15 kΩ 10 mF vC (t)
−
−
1 MΩ
Figure P4.30
t=0 +
+
50 V 2 mF vC (t)
− Section 4.3: RL Circuits
1 MΩ − P4.31. Give the expression for the time constant of
a circuit consisting of an inductance with an
Figure P4.27 initial current in series with a resistance R. To
202 Chapter 4 Transients

attain a long time constant, do we need large t=0

R = 200 Ω
or small values for R? For L?
+ v (t) −
P4.32. A circuit consists of switches that open or R +
close at t = 0, resistances, dc sources, and +
100 V −
i(t) vL(t) L=1H
a single-energy storage element—either an
inductance or a capacitance. We wish to solve −
for a current or a voltage x(t) as a function
of time for t ≥ 0. Write the general form for Figure P4.36
the solution. How is each unknown in the
solution determined?
*P4.33. The circuit shown in Figure P4.33 is operating t=0
in steady state with the switch closed prior to
t = 0. Find i(t) for t < 0 and for t ≥ 0.

75 Ω 25 Ω
10 Ω
+
100 V − i(t) L=2H

2A t=0 10 Ω i(t) 1H
Figure P4.37

Figure P4.33 P4.38. Refer to the circuit of Figure P4.38. The cur-
rent through the inductor is zero before t = 0.
Determine expressions for and sketch i(t) to
P4.34. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.34. scale versus time for −0.2 ≤ t ≤ 1.0 s.
The initial current in the inductor is iL (0−)
= 0. Find expressions for iL (t) and v(t) for 10 Ω
t ≥ 0 and sketch to scale versus time.
i(t)
t=0
+
20 V 10 Ω
iL(t) −
1H
+
R= L=
0.1 A t=0 v(t)
1 kΩ Figure P4.38
1 mH
−
P4.39. The switch shown in Figure P4.39 has been
Figure P4.34 closed for a long time prior to t = 0, then it
opens at t = 0 and closes again at t = 1 s. Find
iL (t) for all t.
*P4.35. Repeat Problem P4.34 with iL (0−) = −0.2 A.
P4.36. For the circuit shown in Figure P4.36, find an 2Ω
expression for the current iL (t) and sketch it
iL(t)
to scale versus time. Also, find an expression
for vL (t) and sketch it to scale versus time.
4H 2Ω 2A
P4.37. The circuit shown in Figure P4.37 is operating
in steady state with the switch open prior to
t = 0. Find expressions for i(t) for t < 0 and
for t ≥ 0. Sketch i(t) to scale versus time. Figure P4.39
 Problems 203

P4.40. We know that the circuit shown in Figure 50 Ω

P4.40 has an initial current i(0) = Ii . a. Write
an expression for i(t) for t ≥ 0. b. Find an
expression for the power delivered to the +
100 V i(t) 5H VM
−
resistance as a function of time. c. Integrate
the power delivered to the resistance from
t = 0 to t = ∞, and show that the result
is equal to the initial energy stored in the Figure P4.42
inductance.

resistance so the energy remaining after one

hour is at least 75 percent of the initial energy.

L i(t) R
Section 4.4: RC and RL Circuits with General
Sources
P4.44. What are the steps in solving a circuit having
Figure P4.40
a resistance, a source, and an inductance (or
capacitance)?
P4.41. Determine expressions for and sketch vR (t) *P4.45. Write the differential equation for i(t) and
to scale versus time for the circuit of Figure find the complete solution for the circuit of
P4.41. The circuit is operating in steady state Figure P4.45. [Hint: Try a particular solution
with the switch closed prior to t = 0. Consider of the form ip (t) = Ae−t .]
the time interval −0.2 ≤ t ≤ 1 ms.
t=0 10 H
t=0
100 Ω

iL(t) + +
5e−t i(t) 5Ω
−
+
10 V 0.2 H 1 kΩ vR(t)
−
−
Figure P4.45

Figure P4.41
P4.46. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.46.
The voltage source is known as a ramp func-
P4.42. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.42. tion, which is defined by
A voltmeter VM is connected across the
inductance. The switch has been closed for a 
0 for t < 0
long time. When the switch is opened, an arc v(t) =
appears across the switch contacts. Explain t for t ≥ 0
why. Assuming an ideal switch and induc-
tor, what voltage appears across the induc- Assume that vC (0) = 0. Derive an expression
tor when the switch is opened? What could for vC (t) for t ≥ 0. Sketch vC (t) to scale versus
happen to the voltmeter when the switch time. [Hint: Write the differential equation
opens? for vC (t) and assume a particular solution of
*P4.43. Real inductors have series resistance associ- the form vCp (t) = A + Bt.]
ated with the wire used to wind the coil. Sup- *P4.47. Solve for vC (t) for t > 0 in the circuit of Figure
pose that we want to store energy in a 10-H P4.47. [Hint: Try a particular solution of the
inductor. Determine the limit on the series form vC p (t) = Ae−3t .]
204 Chapter 4 Transients

R t=0
300 Ω
+
+
v(t) vC (t) C
− +
10 sin(300t) i(t) 1H
− −

Figure P4.49
v(t)

t P4.50. The voltage source shown in Figure P4.50 is

called a ramp function. Assume that i(0) = 0.
Write the differential equation for i(t), and
t
find the complete solution. [Hint: Try a par-
ticular solution of the form ip (t) = A + Bt.]
Figure P4.46

R = 10 Ω

+ + i(t) L=
v(t)
− 2H
2e−3t t=0 1 MΩ 1 mF vC (t)

v(t)
Figure P4.47
10t

*P4.48. Solve for v(t) for t > 0 in the circuit of Figure

t
P4.48, given that the inductor current is zero
prior to t = 0. [Hint: Try a particular solution
Figure P4.50
of the form vp = Acos(10t) + B sin(10t).]

P4.51. Solve for iL (t) for t > 0 in the circuit of Figure

P4.51. You will need to make an educated
+
guess as to the form of the particular solu-
5 cos(10t) t=0 10 Ω v(t) 1H tion. (Hint: The particular solution includes
terms with the same functional forms as the
−
terms found in the forcing function and its
derivatives.)

Figure P4.48
R

1Ω
P4.49. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.49. +
5e−t sin(t) i(t) L 2H
The initial current in the inductor is i(0+) −
= 0. Write the differential equation for i(t)
and solve. [Hint: Try a particular solution of
the form ip (t) = Acos(300t) + B sin(300t).] Figure P4.51
 Problems 205

P4.52. Determine what form you would try for [Hint: Try a particular solution of the form
the particular solution for the differential vp (t) = Kt exp(−10t).] e. Find the complete
equation solution for v(t).

dv(t) v(t)
2 + v(t) = 5t sin(t)
dt
Find the particular solution. (Hint: The par- t=0 C
R
ticular solution includes terms with the same 5×10−6e−10t 2 mF
50 kΩ
functional forms as the terms found in the
forcing function and its derivatives.)
P4.53. Determine the form of the particular solution
for the differential equation
Figure P4.55
dv(t)
+ 3v(t) = t 2 exp(−t)
dt
Section 4.5: Second-Order Circuits
Then, find the particular solution. (Hint: The
P4.56. How can an underdamped second-order
particular solution includes terms with the
system be identified? What form does its com-
same functional forms as the terms found in
plementary solution take? Repeat for a criti-
the forcing function and its derivatives.)
cally damped system and for an overdamped
P4.54. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.54. system.
a. Write the differential equation for i(t).
P4.57. Discuss two methods that can be used to
b. Find the time constant and the form of
determine the particular solution of a circuit
the complementary solution. c. Usually, for
with constant dc sources.
an exponential-forcing function like this, we
would try a particular solution of the form P4.58. How can inspecting the circuit diagrams iden-
ip (t) = K exp(−2t). Why doesn’t that work tify first- or second-order circuits?
in this case? d. Find the particular solution. P4.59. What is a unit step function?
[Hint: Try a particular solution of the form P4.60. Sketch a step response for a second-order
ip (t) = Kt exp(−2t).] e. Find the complete system that displays considerable overshoot
solution for i(t). and ringing. In what types of circuits do we
find pronounced overshoot and ringing?
1H *P4.61. A dc source is connected to a series RLC
circuit by a switch that closes at t = 0, as
t=0 shown in Figure P4.61. The initial conditions
+ are i(0+) = 0 and vC (0+) = 0. Write the dif-
3e−2t i(t) 2Ω
− ferential equation for vC (t). Solve for vC (t)
given that R = 80 .

Figure P4.54
t=0 L R

P4.55. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.55. 2 mH +

a. Write the differential equation for v(t). + C
b. Find the time constant and the form of vs = 50 V −
i(t) vC (t)
5 mF
the complementary solution. c. Usually, for −
an exponential-forcing function like this, we
would try a particular solution of the form i(0) = 0 vC (0) = 0
vp (t) = K exp(−10t). Why doesn’t that work
in this case? d. Find the particular solution. Figure P4.61
206 Chapter 4 Transients

*P4.62. Repeat Problem P4.61 for R = 40 . of the form vp (t) = A cos(104 t) + B sin(104 t).
*P4.63. Repeat Problem P4.61 for R = 20 . Why doesn’t that work in this case? d. Find
the particular solution. [Hint: Try a particular
P4.64. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.64,
solution of the form vp (t) = At cos(104 t) +
with R = 25 . a. Compute the undamped
resonant frequency, the damping coefficient, Bt sin(104 t).] e. Find the complete solution
and the damping ratio. b. The initial condi- for v(t).
tions are v(0+) = 0 and iL (0+) = 0. Show that
this requires that v (0+) = 109 V/s. c. Find the v(t)
particular solution for v(t). d. Find the gen-
eral solution for v(t), including the numerical
values of all parameters. 2 sin104t 10 mH 1 mF
t=0
iL

+
iL(0+) = 0
1A R L C v(t)
t=0 Figure P4.70
iL(t) −

L = 10 mH C = 1000 pF
Section 4.6: Transient Analysis using the MATLAB
Figure P4.64 Symbolic Toolbox
P4.71. Use MATLAB to derive an expression for
P4.65. Repeat Problem P4.64 for R = 50 . v(t) in the circuit of Figure P4.9 and plot v(t)
versus time for 0 < t < 50 ms.
P4.66. Repeat Problem P4.64 for R = 500 .
P4.72. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.46.
P4.67. Solve for i(t) for t > 0 in the circuit of Figure
The voltage source is known as a ramp func-
P4.67, with R = 50 , given that the inductor
tion, which is defined by
current and capacitor voltage are both zero
prior to t = 0. [Hint: Try a particular solution 
0 for t < 0
of the form ip (t) = A cos(100t)+B sin(100t).] v(t) =
t for t ≥ 0

t=0 1H R Use MATLAB to derive an expression for

vC (t) in terms of R, C, and t. Next, substitute
+ R = 1 M and C = 1 μF. Then, plot vC (t) and
+ v(t) on the same axes for 0 < t < 5 s.
10 cos(100t) i(t) vC (t) 100 mF
− P4.73. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.49 in
− which the switch is open for a long time prior
to t = 0. (Because lowercase “i” represents
Figure P4.67 the square root of −1 in MATLAB, we need
to avoid using it as the name of a variable, so
denote the current as is (t) instead of i(t) for
P4.68. Repeat Problem P4.67 with R = 200 . this problem and use “Is” for the current in
P4.69. Repeat Problem P4.67 with R = 400 . MATLAB.) The initial current is is (0+) = 0.
P4.70. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.70. Write the differential equation for is (t) and
a. Write the differential equation for v(t). use MATLAB to solve. Then, plot is (t) for t
b. Find the damping coefficient, the natural ranging from 0 to 80 ms.
frequency, and the form of the complemen- P4.74. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.74
tary solution. c. Usually, for this sinusoidal in which the switch has been open for a long
forcing function, we try a particular solution time prior to t = 0 and we are given R = 25 .
 Practice Test 207

a. Write the differential equation for v(t). c. Use MATLAB to find the complete solu-
b. Assume that the capacitor is initially tion for v(t).
charged by a 50-V dc source not shown P4.76. Use MATLAB to solve for the mesh currents
in the figure, so we have v(0+) = 50 V. in the circuit of Figure P4.76. The circuit has
Determine the values of iL (0+) and v (0+). been connected for a long time prior to t = 0
c. Use MATLAB to find the general solution with the switch open, so the initial values of
for v(t). the inductor currents are zero.
t=0
t=0 2Ω 4Ω
+

1A R L C v(t)
+
iL(t) − − i1(t) i2(t)
12 V 1H 2H
L = 10 mH C = 1000 pF

Figure P4.74 Figure P4.76

P4.75. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P4.70.

a. Write the differential equation for v(t).
b. Determine the values for v(0+) and v (0+).

Practice Test

Here is a practice test you can use to check T4.2. Consider the circuit shown in Figure T4.2.
your comprehension of the most important a. Write the differential equation for i(t).
concepts in this chapter. Answers can be b. Find the time constant and the form of the
found in Appendix D and complete solutions complementary solution.
are included in the Student Solutions files.
c. Find the particular solution.
See Appendix E for more information about
the Student Solutions. d. Find the complete solution for i(t).
T4.1. Consider the circuit shown in FigureT4.1. The
circuit has been operating for a long time with
the switch closed prior to t = 0. a. Determine t=0
1Ω
the values of iL , i1 , i2 , i3 , and vC just before the
switch opens. b. Determine the values of iL ,
i1 , i2 , i3 , and vC immediately after the switch 5e−3tV
+ i(t) 2H
opens. c. Find iL (t) for t > 0. d. Find vC (t) for −
t > 0.

Figure T4.2
t=0 i3
2 mH

i1 3 kΩ
iL + T4.3. Consider the circuit shown in Figure T4.3 in
+ i2
10 V
− vC which the initial inductor current and capac-
1 kΩ 2 kΩ 1 mF −
itor voltage are both zero.
a. Write the differential equation for vC (t).
Figure T4.1 b. Find the particular solution.
208 Chapter 4 Transients

c. Is this circuit overdamped, critically T4.4. Write the MATLAB commands to obtain the
damped, or underdamped? Find the form solution for the differential equation of ques-
of the complementary solution. tion T4.3 with four decimal place accuracy for
d. Find the complete solution for vC (t). the constants.

t=0
4Ω

2 mH +
+ i(t)
15 V 20 mF vC (t)
−
−

Figure T4.3