DC coil current: An 18 V supply is connected across a coil with winding resistance 180 Ω (ignore inductance at steady state). What is the current?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 100 mA

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Once steady state is reached in a DC circuit, an inductor behaves as a short circuit and only its winding resistance limits current. This is a direct application of Ohm's law.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Supply voltage V = 18 V (DC).
  • Winding resistance R = 180 Ω.
  • Steady state, so inductive reactance is zero.


Concept / Approach:

Use Ohm's law I = V / R at steady state. The inductive element does not impede DC after transients decay.


Step-by-Step Solution:

I = 18 V / 180 Ω = 0.1 A = 100 mA.


Verification / Alternative check:

If the transient were considered, current would rise exponentially from 0 A to 100 mA with time constant τ = L/R. At t → ∞, the value is 100 mA as computed.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

1 mA and 10 mA are too small by factors of 100 and 10 respectively. 1 A would require only 18 Ω of resistance, not 180 Ω.


Common Pitfalls:

Applying AC reactance to a DC steady-state question; forgetting that inductors pass DC after transients.


Final Answer:

100 mA

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