LC Oscillator (Undamped)

This interactive simulator explores LC Oscillator (Undamped) in Waves & Sound. Ideal series LC: q(t), I(t), ω₀ = 1/√(LC); U_C + U_L constant; vs RLC AC. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.

Who it's for: Best once you already know the basic definitions and want to build intuition. Typical context: Waves & Sound.

Key terms

  • oscillator
  • undamped
  • lc oscillator
  • waves
  • sound

Live graphs

How it works

An ideal series **LC** loop obeys **q'' + ω₀² q = 0** with **ω₀ = 1/√(LC)** and **i = dq/dt**. Electrostatic energy **q²/(2C)** and magnetic energy **Li²/2** sum to a constant. For damping and AC resonance, see **RLC Series (AC)** in Electricity.

Key equations

Lq'' + q/C = 0  ⇒  ω₀ = 1/√(LC)
q(t) = Q₀ cos ω₀t + (I₀/ω₀) sin ω₀t,   i = dq/dt