1. RLC Circuit
AP Physics C
Mrs. Coyle

2. RLC circuit
In real circuits, there is some resistance, and some energy is lost to internal energy for the resistor (heat).
(Some energy is also lost to radiation but this is ignored).
Therefore the total energy of the circuit decreases over time similar to damping in a mass-spring system.

3. Assume the capacitor is initially charged and then the switch is closed
Assume no resistance (no internal energy loss) and no energy losses to radiation
The total energy of this system is constant
Remember:LC Circuits

4. Simulation

5. RLC Circuit The capacitor is charged with the switch at position a.
At time t = 0, the switch is moved to position b to form the RLC circuit.
Kirchhoff’s loop rule:

6. RLC Circuit