I am trying to understand how an RC circuit works. Assuming the RC circuit is un

Question

I am trying to understand how an RC circuit works. Assuming the RC circuit is uncharged (connected to a voltage source) then,

a) For both parallel and series circuit, how does the time to charge a resistor in a RC curcuit changes when a second resistor of unknown value is added in each way ?

b)For both parallel and series circuit, how does the time to charge a resistor in a RC curcuit changes when a second capacitor of unknown value is added in each way

If you can explain this that would be great. Also if there is a formula to explain this please include it in the answer.

Explanation / Answer

The formula is

Q = Qo ( 1 - e-t/RC )

Time constant = RC

The time constant = RC determines how quickly the capacitor charges. If RC is small the capacitor charges quickly; if RC is large the capacitor charges more slowly.

a)     For series circuit

when a second resistor of unknown value is added than , value of Time constant would increase , so , time to charge capacitor would also increase .

For parallel circuit

when a second resistor of unknown value is added than , value of Time constant would decrease , so , time to charge capacitor would also decrease .

b)   For series circuit

when a second capacitor of unknown value is added than , value of Time constant would decrease , so , time to charge capacitor would also decrease .

For parallel circuit

when a second capacitor of unknown value is added than , value of Time constant would increase , so , time to charge capacitor would also increase .

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