The natural response of an RL series circuit refers to the behavior of the circuit when it is allowed to return to equilibrium after being disturbed, such as when a switch is opened or closed. This response is characterized by how the current through the inductor and the voltage across it change over time when no external voltage is applied.
Here's a brief overview of the natural response of an RL series circuit:
1. **Initial Condition**: When the circuit is initially energized (e.g., a switch is closed and a voltage source is connected), the current builds up according to the inductor's characteristics and the applied voltage. The initial current through the inductor can be calculated using Ohm's Law if the circuit has reached a steady state.
2. **When the Circuit is Disconnected**: If the circuit is suddenly disconnected from the voltage source (or the voltage source is turned off), the inductor will resist any sudden change in current due to its property of inductance. The inductor tries to maintain the current flow, causing a transient response.
3. **Natural Response Equation**: The natural response of an RL circuit can be described by the following first-order differential equation:
\[
L \frac{dI(t)}{dt} + RI(t) = 0
\]
where \(L\) is the inductance, \(R\) is the resistance, and \(I(t)\) is the current through the circuit at time \(t\).
4. **Solving the Differential Equation**: The solution to this differential equation gives the natural response of the circuit. The current \(I(t)\) decays exponentially over time according to:
\[
I(t) = I_0 e^{-\frac{R}{L}t}
\]
where \(I_0\) is the initial current through the inductor at \(t = 0\).
5. **Time Constant**: The time constant of the RL circuit, denoted as \(\tau\), is given by:
\[
\tau = \frac{L}{R}
\]
This time constant indicates how quickly the current decays. A larger \(\tau\) means the current takes longer to decay.
In summary, the natural response of an RL series circuit is characterized by an exponential decay of the current over time after the external voltage source is removed or turned off.