Question

An uncharged capacitor and a resistor are connected in series to a source of EMF. If ε = 5.13 V, C = 18.6 μF, and R = 106 Ω, calculate the time constant τ of the circuit.

Calculate the maximum charge on the capacitor.

Answer 1

If ε = 5.13 V,

C = 18.6 μF,

and R = 106 Ω,

a )

time constant τ = ?

we have

τ = R X C

τ = 106 X 18.6 X 10^-6

τ = 1.971 X 10^-3 sec

τ = 1.971 milliseconds

the time constant τ of the circuit is τ = 1.971 milliseconds

b )

the maximum charge on the capacitor is

Q = C X V

Q = 18.6 X 10^-6 X 5.13

Q = 95.418 X 10^-6 C

or

Q = 95.418 μC

the maximum charge on the capacitor is Q = 95.418 μC