What Does the Voltmeter Read When a Current Increases in an Inductor Loop?

In summary, the conversation is about a homework problem involving an inductor and a current source. The problem involves determining the voltage reading on a voltmeter connected to the circuit. The conversation includes a qualitative analysis of the problem and a quantitative approach using Maxwell's equations. The conclusion is that the induced voltage will be opposite to the current, resulting in a negative voltage reading on the voltmeter.
  • #36
I know this is an old thread, but I just found it. Interesting, it is. Anyway, I just thought I'd chime in.

An inductor, in the pure sense, cannot be current-driven, but it must be voltage-driven. Otherwise, an infinite voltage would be required at time t = 0. When a constant current source, dc, is connected to an open switch, & the other side of the switch connected to the 1-turn inductor loop, what happens when the switch is closed at t=0?

If the ccs (constant current source) current value is Ics, & the inductor initial current is 0, then we have a problem. We would get an infinite voltage at t=0 when the switch closes, since changing the inductor current from 0 to Ics in zero time span results in infinite voltage per v(t) = L*di(t)/dt.

But as we know, an ideal pure inductor cannot exist. There is always a little capacitance presented at the input. The surfaces of the input terminals present a very small capacitance which shunts the input. The ccs charges up this capacitance at t=0. The voltage across the input terminals increases very rapidly, & the current energizes the inductor. As the inductor energizes, the voltage falls. Eventually, the voltage at the input terminals is zero.

The difficulty w/ this problem lies in the fact that the inductor current cannot instantly change from 0 to Ics w/o infinite voltage & infinite power. But, the tiny capacitance at the input terminals alleviates the infinite voltage/power conditions.

The steady state voltage is zero since the loop has no resistance. The ccs is outputting a current of Ics, a voltage of 0, & a power of 0, in the steady state. Did I help at all?

Claude
 
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<h2>1. What is the definition of voltage across an inductor?</h2><p>Voltage across an inductor is the potential difference or electrical pressure that exists between the two ends of an inductor. It is measured in volts (V) and is caused by the flow of current through the inductor.</p><h2>2. How is the voltage across an inductor calculated?</h2><p>The voltage across an inductor can be calculated using the formula V = L(di/dt), where V is the voltage, L is the inductance of the inductor, and (di/dt) is the rate of change of current over time. This formula is known as Faraday's Law of Induction.</p><h2>3. What factors affect the voltage across an inductor?</h2><p>The voltage across an inductor is affected by the inductance of the inductor, the rate of change of current, and the frequency of the alternating current passing through it. It is also influenced by the resistance of the circuit and the presence of any other components in the circuit.</p><h2>4. What happens to the voltage across an inductor when the current changes?</h2><p>When the current passing through an inductor changes, the voltage across the inductor also changes. This is due to the inductor's property of opposing changes in current, which results in a change in the voltage across the inductor.</p><h2>5. How does the voltage across an inductor behave in a DC circuit?</h2><p>In a DC circuit, the voltage across an inductor behaves like a short circuit, with zero voltage across it. This is because DC current does not change over time, and therefore, there is no rate of change of current to induce a voltage across the inductor.</p>

Related to What Does the Voltmeter Read When a Current Increases in an Inductor Loop?

1. What is the definition of voltage across an inductor?

Voltage across an inductor is the potential difference or electrical pressure that exists between the two ends of an inductor. It is measured in volts (V) and is caused by the flow of current through the inductor.

2. How is the voltage across an inductor calculated?

The voltage across an inductor can be calculated using the formula V = L(di/dt), where V is the voltage, L is the inductance of the inductor, and (di/dt) is the rate of change of current over time. This formula is known as Faraday's Law of Induction.

3. What factors affect the voltage across an inductor?

The voltage across an inductor is affected by the inductance of the inductor, the rate of change of current, and the frequency of the alternating current passing through it. It is also influenced by the resistance of the circuit and the presence of any other components in the circuit.

4. What happens to the voltage across an inductor when the current changes?

When the current passing through an inductor changes, the voltage across the inductor also changes. This is due to the inductor's property of opposing changes in current, which results in a change in the voltage across the inductor.

5. How does the voltage across an inductor behave in a DC circuit?

In a DC circuit, the voltage across an inductor behaves like a short circuit, with zero voltage across it. This is because DC current does not change over time, and therefore, there is no rate of change of current to induce a voltage across the inductor.

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