Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 30 - Induction and Inductance - Questions - Page 894: 7c

Answer

Just after switch $S$ is reopened, the current through the central resistor will be equal to the current through the other resistor.

Work Step by Step

After switch $S$ is reopened, the battery is eliminated from the circuit, so the current starts to decrease. This changing current through the inductor produces an emf across the inductor so the current decreases exponentially to the equilibrium point when the current is zero. Because switch $S$ is open, the current flow through both resistors is equal since the circuit has a single loop consisting of the inductor and both resistors. Therefore, just after switch $S$ is reopened, the current through the central resistor will be equal to the current through the other resistor.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.