LC Oscillations
The electronic equivalent of a pendulum: watching energy slosh back and forth.
The Concept: An Energy Exchange
An LC circuit contains only an Inductor (L) and a Capacitor (C). If the capacitor starts with a charge, it will discharge, creating a current that builds a magnetic field in the inductor. Once the capacitor is empty, the collapsing magnetic field in the inductor acts like a generator, recharging the capacitor with the opposite polarity. This creates a continuous, perfect oscillation of energy.
What to look for
- The circuit starts with the capacitor fully charged.
- Observe the live circuit diagram to see current flow and the E/B fields.
- The energy bars show the continuous exchange between electric and magnetic fields.
Controls
Oscillation Frequency
$\omega = \frac{1}{\sqrt{LC}}$