RC Circuit: Time Dependency on Capacitance & Resistance

In summary, the time in a series RC circuit is linearly dependent on capacitance and resistance, as seen in the charging and discharging time. This is due to the definition of time constant and the exponential relationship between voltage and current over time.
  • #1
jaejoon89
195
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Why is time in a series RC circuit linearly dependent on capacitance as charging/discharging time is increased? (same with resistance) I thought RC circuits were exponential.
 
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  • #2
Please don't think I'm being rude. I'm just picky. I want to be helpful, but I'm getting sleepy, so this will be terse.



jaejoon89 said:
Why is time in a series RC circuit linearly dependent on capacitance as charging/discharging time is increased?
I can only assume that you mean "time constant" for the first "time" in this sentence. This is just a consequence of the very simple definition.



jaejoon89 said:
I thought RC circuits were exponential.
This doesn't mean anything. Perhaps you mean that the dependence of the value of some electrical property depends exponentially on time?
 
  • #3
Or to put it another way:

The voltage and current are exponential functions of time.

The time required for the voltage or current to reach a specific value is proportional to RC. For example, the time in which the capacitor voltage reaches 50% of its final value.
 

FAQ: RC Circuit: Time Dependency on Capacitance & Resistance

What is an RC circuit?

An RC circuit is a type of electrical circuit that consists of a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C) connected in series. It is used to control the flow of current and store electrical energy in the capacitor.

How does capacitance affect the time dependency of an RC circuit?

The time dependency of an RC circuit is directly influenced by the capacitance of the capacitor. A higher capacitance value will result in a longer charging and discharging time for the circuit.

What is the time constant of an RC circuit?

The time constant of an RC circuit is a measure of how long it takes for the capacitor to charge or discharge to 63.2% of its maximum voltage. It is calculated by multiplying the resistance (R) by the capacitance (C).

How does resistance affect the time dependency of an RC circuit?

The resistance (R) in an RC circuit affects the charging and discharging time of the capacitor. A higher resistance value will result in a longer time constant and a slower change in voltage across the capacitor.

What is the significance of the time dependency in an RC circuit?

The time dependency in an RC circuit is important as it determines the behavior and performance of the circuit. It allows for the control of the flow of current and the storage of electrical energy, making it useful in various electronic devices and applications.

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