In each shown solution version, i indicates the direction of current defined
as positive, and the + sign shows which plate is defined to carry the charge
q ( the
other plate carries -q). Both i and q may be negative or positive when
these solutions are applied to particular initial conditions.
Given the accompanying conventions, every solution is valid for every
initial condition, eg; for either sign of Qo, the initial charge on the
specified plate.
Bob Sciamanda
Physics, Edinboro Univ of PA (Em) http://www.winbeam.com/~trebor/
trebor@winbeam.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Sciamanda" <trebor@winbeam.com>
To: "Bob Sciamanda" <trebor@winbeam.com>; "PHYS-L Maillist"
<phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu>
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 10:21 AM
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] RC Discharge Analysis
| Let me add that your loop equation (and its built-in conventions) should
not
| be restricted to any particular initial conditions. IE;, if properly
| written they will apply even if your UPPER capacitor plate begins with the
| positive charge. Once the actual initial conditions are applied, the
| solution will reflect them in the resulting signs of the relevant
quantities
| (eg, q and i), in accordance with the defined conventions.
|
| Bob Sciamanda
| Physics, Edinboro Univ of PA (Em)
| http://www.winbeam.com/~trebor/
| trebor@winbeam.com
|| Physics, Edinboro Univ of PA (Em)
|| http://www.winbeam.com/~trebor/
|| trebor@winbeam.com