RC Circuits

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Textbook

• University Physics Volume 2: Chapter 10.5 - RC Circuits

What is a Capacitor and what is Capacitance

See Capacitors

RC Circuits

Capacitor Charging (Voltage over Time)

During charging, the voltage across a capacitor increases exponentially, approaching its final value. $V(t)=V_{0}\left(1-e^{-{\frac {t}{RC}}}\right)$

• Where:*
• *V(t)* is the voltage at time t (in volts, V)
• *V_0* is the final voltage (in volts, V)
• *R* is the resistance (in ohms, Ω)
• *C* is the capacitance (in farads, F)
• *t* is time (in seconds, s)

Capacitor Discharge (Voltage over Time)

During the discharge of a capacitor through a resistor, the voltage decreases exponentially over time. $V(t)=V_{0}e^{-{\frac {t}{RC}}}$

• Where:*
• *V(t)* is the voltage at time t (in volts, V)
• *V_0* is the initial voltage (in volts, V)
• *R* is the resistance (in ohms, Ω)
• *C* is the capacitance (in farads, F)
• *t* is time (in seconds, s)

Example Graphs

Simulations

• PhET Circuit Construction Kit

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