Help with RC Circuits: 3 Resistors in Series

In summary, the conversation discusses a circuit problem involving capacitors and resistors. The question asks about the arrangement of resistors in part b and the application of Kirchhoff's loop rule in part c. It is clarified that after a long time, the capacitors will no longer affect the circuit and can be removed completely. The conversation ends with the clarification that only one loop needs to be considered for part c.
  • #1
pyroknife
613
4

Homework Statement


I attached the problem

I don't understand why the 3 resistors at the top end up being in series for part b. can someone explain that to me.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

Attachments

  • Untitled.png
    Untitled.png
    14 KB · Views: 429
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
After a long time, when the circuit reaches steady state, the capacitors will be charged to their steady state values and no further current will flow into or out of them. Essentially, as far as the current is concerned, they no longer exist in the circuit.

If you take your eraser and remove the capacitors, what doe the circuit look like?
 
  • #3
Ohh i see thanks a bunch. But even if i erase the capacitors and have just a wire in their place, wouldn't it still look like the 3 are in parallel?
 
  • #4
pyroknife said:
Ohh i see thanks a bunch. But even if i erase the capacitors and have just a wire in their place, wouldn't it still look like the 3 are in parallel?

By erase I mean eliminate completely. Leave no trace! Not even wires!
 
  • #5
gneill said:
By erase I mean eliminate completely. Leave no trace! Not even wires!

Oh i see. part c of the question asks for the charges on the plates of the capacitors a long time after switch S is closed. If I play kirkoff's loop rule to the capacitor with the 10 microfarads, which resistors would I have to include in the equation?
 
  • #6
wait never mind I wasn't thinking. "loop" so I just take one of the triangles at the top and apply the loop rule.
 

FAQ: Help with RC Circuits: 3 Resistors in Series

What is an RC circuit?

An RC circuit is a type of electrical circuit that contains a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C) connected in series. This circuit is commonly used in electronic devices to control the flow of electricity and create a time delay.

What is the purpose of using 3 resistors in series in an RC circuit?

Using 3 resistors in series in an RC circuit allows for greater control and manipulation of the flow of electricity. By adding more resistors, the total resistance of the circuit can be increased, which can affect the overall behavior and function of the circuit.

How do I calculate the total resistance of a circuit with 3 resistors in series?

The total resistance of a circuit with 3 resistors in series can be calculated by adding the individual resistances of each resistor. This can be expressed as R_total = R1 + R2 + R3. The unit for resistance is ohms (Ω).

How does the placement of the resistors affect the behavior of the RC circuit?

The placement of the resistors in the RC circuit can affect the overall behavior of the circuit. Placing the resistors in series increases the total resistance of the circuit, while placing them in parallel decreases the total resistance. This can impact the flow of electricity and the time delay in the circuit.

What is the time constant in an RC circuit?

The time constant in an RC circuit is a measure of the time it takes for the current in the circuit to reach 63.2% of its maximum value. It is calculated by multiplying the resistance (R) by the capacitance (C), or τ = RC. The unit for time constant is seconds (s).

Similar threads

Why can we add impedances in series?
Replies
4
Views
750
Need help finding current on RC circuit
Replies
5
Views
6K
Correct statement about series RC circuit
Replies
4
Views
2K
Calculating Charge and Time in a Discharging RC Circuit
Replies
3
Views
1K
Capacitor Voltage Equations: Explained
Replies
4
Views
1K
Finding R(t) in discharging RC circuit
Replies
4
Views
1K
Time constant for parallel RC circuit
Replies
2
Views
1K
RC Multiloop Circuits, Find Current at Specific Time
Replies
9
Views
2K
Finding an open-cicuit voltage, why is resistor in series ignored?
Replies
2
Views
924
How Does Coil Configuration Affect Current in LR Circuits?
Replies
14
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top