Charge on capacitor (RC circuit)

In summary, the conversation discusses determining the current in each resistor and charge on the capacitor after a long time, immediately after the switch is closed, and after it has been re-opened. The equations V = IReq and Q = CV are used to find the values, and it is determined that the voltage across the capacitor is 6V. Kirchoff's rule is not needed.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


1) Determine the current in each resistor and charge on the capacitor after a long time immediately after the switch is closed
2) Determine the current in each resistor and charge on the capacitor after a long time

After the switch has been closed for a long time it is re-opened.

3) Determine the current in each resistor and the charge on the capacitor immediately after the switch has been re-opened.
4) Determine the time constant of the capacitor discharge.

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Homework Equations


V = I Req
Q = CV

The Attempt at a Solution


I got #1 and got I6 = 1A, I8 = 1.5A, and I12 = .5A
I'm not sure what to do about #2 though. What is the voltage across the capacitor? I thought it would be 6V, because that is the voltage across the parallel series. However, there is a voltage drop after the 1A current runs across the 6ohm resistor so the V across the capacitor is 0.

For #3 and 4, does the 8ohm resistor come into play or no?
Thanks for the help guys.
 
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  • #2
Is the V across the capacitor just 6V? If so I think I'm good. #2 I through the 6ohm resistor is 0, then I through the other two resistors is 18V/20ohms right?
#3 I = 6V/18ohms Q= 28 E-6 * 6
#4 (18 * 28E-6) = RC
 
  • #3
Voltage which charges the capacitor is the voltage across 12 ohm resistance. Calculate that voltage.
When the capacitor is completely charged, the same voltage will be the voltage across it.
 
  • #4
oh is this Kirchoff's rule?
 
  • #5
No. There is no need to apply Kirchhoff rule.
 

FAQ: Charge on capacitor (RC circuit)

What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It is made up of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric.

How does a capacitor charge in an RC circuit?

In an RC circuit, a capacitor charges when a voltage is applied across it. As the capacitor charges, the voltage across it increases and the current decreases until it reaches its maximum charge, at which point the capacitor is fully charged.

What is the equation for calculating the charge on a capacitor in an RC circuit?

The equation for calculating the charge on a capacitor in an RC circuit is Q = Q0(1-e-t/RC), where Q is the charge on the capacitor at any given time, Q0 is the maximum charge, t is the time, R is the resistance, and C is the capacitance.

What happens to the charge on a capacitor in an RC circuit if the resistance is increased?

If the resistance in an RC circuit is increased, it will take longer for the capacitor to charge. This is because the increased resistance slows down the flow of current, which in turn slows down the rate at which the capacitor charges.

How does the charge on a capacitor affect the voltage in an RC circuit?

The charge on a capacitor directly affects the voltage in an RC circuit. As the charge increases, the voltage also increases. This is because the voltage is directly proportional to the charge and the capacitance: V = Q/C.

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