Physlet Illustration: RL Circuit

 

 
R =  W L =  H
In this simulation, a resistor and an inductor are connected in series to a 12-Volt battery. When the switch closes, the current in the circuit begins to flow. An ammeter is included in the circuit, and a graph of the current  vs. time is also shown. Vary the values of the resistor (1 W < R < 10 W) and inductor (1 H < L < 5 H). How do these affect the flow of current through the circuit?

Hints:

  1. As you increase or decrease R, what happens to the time it takes for the current in the circuit to approach its maximum value?
  2. As you increase or decrease L, what happens to the time it takes for the current in the circuit to approach its maximum value?
  3. What is the maximum current attained? Why?
  4. How does the current flowing through the inductor affect the circuit?

Reference

See Walker, Section 23-8

Illustration written by Steve Mellema