# How to calculate initial voltage in a simple Electrical Circuit?

I can't find the rules about how to calculate the initial voltage across the capacitor $C_1$. A my friend told me that I can calculate $C_1$ following the meshes lines: if I do this, I will come across $R_3$ and $R_1$ or $R_2$ and $L_1$. So I am tempted to say $V_c(0^-) = |V_{R_1}|+|V_{R_3}|=|Ia*R_1|+|Ib*R_3|$, is this correct? If yes, what are the signs (+ or -) of $|V_{R_1}|$ and $|V_{R_2}|$?

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

• The given information are the only I have written on the schematic. What I need to calculate is $V_c(0^-)$ (I mistakenly wrote $V_L$). – user128414 Oct 31 '16 at 11:16
• Olin's comment that we can't tell you about the initial conditions if we are not given any info about momentary behaviour at t=0 still holds. Possibly the exercise states that the circuit is at steady state until t=0 and then something happens (like changing the current of I1). We need to know that to answer the question. Therefore downvoted, because this question doe not have a unique answer. – Michael Karcher Oct 31 '16 at 11:31
• Actually, at a $t < 0$ correspond I1 = 1, from $t>=0$, I1 became equals to 0. Can you help me now? – user128414 Oct 31 '16 at 13:52
• The question is answerable now. You actually look for the steady-state voltage at I1=1A. Downvote reverted. – Michael Karcher Oct 31 '16 at 14:01

The initial voltage across a capacitor and initial current thru a inductor are state variables that have to be given. You can't calculate them because they depend on previous history. By definition, "initial" conditions are before there is any history. They must be specified to be able to analyze the circuit going forwards.

What is possible is to compute the steady state conditions after everything settles. This is independent of initial conditions in a circuit with all passive linear components like you show. You can determine what the capacitor voltage and inductor current will be eventually without having to know the initial conditions. That's because these settle to the same value regardless of what they started at.

• I corrected the description of my problem. What I need to calculate is $V_c(0^-)$ (I mistakenly wrote $V_L$). – user128414 Oct 31 '16 at 11:18
• (Please check the updated schematic) -- I supposed two current $I_1$, $I_2$ and both running anticlockwise. After a Mesh analysis I calculated $I_1 = -3/4 A$ and $I_2 = 1/4 A$. Now I can calculate $V_c(0^-) = I_1*R_1+I_2*R_2$, assuming that $R_3$ has a '+' in the top and $R_1$ has a '+' in the bottom. Am I wrong? – user128414 Oct 31 '16 at 14:54