First Order Circuits

First Order Circuits

A first-order circuit can only contain one energy storage element (a capacitor or an inductor). The circuit will also contain resistance. So there are two types of first-order circuits

• RC Circuit
• RL Circuit

Source-Free Circuit

• A source-free circuit is one where all independent sources have been disconnected from the circuit aftersome switch action. 
• The voltages and currents in the circuit typically will have some transient response due to initial conditions (initial capacitor voltages and initial inductor currents).

• A source-free RC circuit occurs when its dc source is suddenly disconnected. 
• The energy already stored in the capacitor is released to the resistors.

Sample Problem