RL Time Constant Calculator
Calculate the RL time constant of a resistor-inductor circuit: tau = L / R.
Time Constant (τ)
0.005000 s
Time Constant (τ) vs Inductance
Fórmula
## RL Time Constant The RL time constant governs how quickly current builds up or decays in an inductor-resistor circuit. ### Formula **τ = L / R** After one time constant, the current reaches 63.2% of its final steady-state value.
Ejemplo Resuelto
A 50 mH inductor with a 10 Ω resistor.
- 01τ = L / R
- 02τ = 50e-3 / 10
- 03τ = 0.005 s = 5 ms
Preguntas Frecuentes
How does the RL time constant differ from RC?
In an RL circuit, τ = L/R (inductance over resistance). In an RC circuit, τ = R*C. Both describe exponential approach to steady state.
Why do inductors resist changes in current?
A changing current creates a changing magnetic field, which induces an EMF that opposes the change (Lenz's law).
What happens when an inductive circuit is suddenly opened?
The collapsing magnetic field can induce a very large voltage spike. This is why flyback diodes are used to protect circuits with inductors.
Aprender