Lab 7: RLC Resonant Circuits Only 5 more labs to go!! C L When we connect a charged capacitor to an inductor oscillations will occur in the charge of the capacitor and the current through the inductor. Energy stored in the capacitor before the switch is closed: Switch When the switch is closed, charge flows (current) through the inductor. 2 2 1 CV E The current through the inductor will continue to flow until an energy equal to: 2 2 1 LI E This energy is stored in the magnetic field of the inductor. Current continues to flow and the capacitor becomes charged again but with opposite polarity This energy exchange between the capacitor and inductor is similar to that of a mass spring system: Q CAP X I L V