Circuit RL sans source

When a DC source is disconnected from an RL circuit, the circuit becomes source-free. The inductor, which initially stores energy based on its current, begins to release this energy. Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law around the loop yields a first-order differential equation that describes how the circuit responds to the sudden removal of the source.

The natural response is derived by applying Kirchhoff's voltage law and solving the resulting first-order differential equation. After rearranging, integrating, and applying limits, a logarithmic equation is obtained. Taking the exponential of both sides yields the final expression showing current as an exponential function of time.

The time constant is the ratio of inductance to resistance (L/R) and represents the speed at which the circuit responds to changes. A larger time constant means the current decays more slowly, while a smaller time constant indicates faster decay. This parameter is fundamental for predicting how quickly the circuit reaches steady state.

When the source is removed, the inductor's magnetic field collapses, driving current through the resistor. The resistor dissipates energy as heat, reducing the current exponentially over time. The rate of decay depends on the time constant; larger resistance or smaller inductance causes faster exponential decay of the initial current.

Power dissipated in the resistor is calculated using the current expression derived from the natural response. Since power equals I²R, substituting the exponential current function gives the instantaneous power. This power represents the rate at which energy stored in the inductor is converted to heat in the resistor.

The initial energy stored in the inductor equals one-half LI₀². As time approaches infinity, the total energy absorbed by the resistor approaches this initial value. This demonstrates energy conservation: all magnetic energy initially stored in the inductor is gradually dissipated as heat in the resistor until the inductor's energy is depleted.

Like other first-order circuits, the source-free RL circuit exhibits exponential response governed by a single time constant. However, RL circuits store energy in magnetic fields, while RC circuits store energy in electric fields. Understanding source-free RL behavior provides insights applicable to analyzing first-order circuits across various applications.