An RL circuit, which consists of a resistor (R) and an inductor (L) in series with a voltage source, can be analyzed using differential equations. Here’s a detailed look at the expression for an RL circuit:
### Basic RL Circuit Analysis
1. **Circuit Description**:
- **Components**: Resistor (R), Inductor (L), and a voltage source (V).
- **Configuration**: The resistor and inductor are connected in series with the voltage source.
2. **Ohm’s Law and Inductor Voltage-Current Relationship**:
- **Ohm's Law**: \( V_R = iR \), where \( V_R \) is the voltage across the resistor, and \( i \) is the current through the circuit.
- **Inductor Voltage-Current Relationship**: \( V_L = L \frac{di}{dt} \), where \( V_L \) is the voltage across the inductor.
3. **Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)**:
Applying KVL to the series circuit, we sum the voltages around the loop and set them equal to the source voltage \( V \):
\[
V = V_R + V_L
\]
Substituting the expressions for \( V_R \) and \( V_L \):
\[
V = iR + L \frac{di}{dt}
\]
4. **Differential Equation**:
Rearranging the equation to form a standard differential equation:
\[
L \frac{di}{dt} + iR = V
\]
This is a first-order linear differential equation.
### Solution for the Current \( i(t) \)
To solve this differential equation, we need to consider the initial conditions and the form of the voltage source \( V(t) \). For simplicity, let's solve it for a constant voltage source \( V \) and initial current \( i(0) = 0 \):
1. **Homogeneous Solution**:
First, solve the homogeneous equation (when \( V = 0 \)):
\[
L \frac{di_h}{dt} + i_hR = 0
\]
The solution to this is:
\[
i_h(t) = A e^{-\frac{R}{L}t}
\]
where \( A \) is a constant determined by initial conditions.
2. **Particular Solution**:
For a constant voltage source \( V \), assume a steady-state solution where \( \frac{di_p}{dt} = 0 \):
\[
L \cdot 0 + i_p R = V
\]
Therefore:
\[
i_p = \frac{V}{R}
\]
3. **General Solution**:
Combine the homogeneous and particular solutions:
\[
i(t) = i_h(t) + i_p = A e^{-\frac{R}{L}t} + \frac{V}{R}
\]
4. **Determine the Constant \( A \)**:
Use the initial condition \( i(0) = 0 \):
\[
i(0) = A e^{0} + \frac{V}{R} = A + \frac{V}{R}
\]
Solving for \( A \):
\[
A = -\frac{V}{R}
\]
Thus, the current as a function of time is:
\[
i(t) = \frac{V}{R} \left(1 - e^{-\frac{R}{L}t}\right)
\]
### Transient and Steady-State Behavior
- **Transient Behavior**: The term \( e^{-\frac{R}{L}t} \) represents the transient response, which decays over time.
- **Steady-State Behavior**: As \( t \) approaches infinity, \( e^{-\frac{R}{L}t} \) approaches 0, and the current approaches the steady-state value \( \frac{V}{R} \).
### Summary
For an RL circuit with a constant voltage source \( V \), the current through the circuit evolves according to:
\[
i(t) = \frac{V}{R} \left(1 - e^{-\frac{R}{L}t}\right)
\]
This expression captures both the transient response and the steady-state behavior of the RL circuit.