e l e c t r o n i c s : r c c i r c u i t s a n d e x p o n e n t i a l c h a r g i n g

An RC circuit is one that contains a resistor and capacitor. Consider the RC circuit shown in the figure. Suppose that the switch is closed at time t = 0 s and that the capacitor has no initial stored charge on it. Once the switch closes, a current will begin flowing in the circuit. This current will deposit charge on the capacitor, leading to a voltage v C(t) across the capacitor. The current i(t) is given by the formula: (equation 1) for where i is the current (in amperes), E is the battery voltage (in volts), R is the resistance (in Ohms, ), C is the capacitance (in Farads, F) and t is time (in seconds, s).

Problem:
a. Find a formula for the capacitor voltage v C(t). b. Given that E, R and C have the values shown in the diagram, find the capacitor voltage 2 seconds after the switch is closed. c. How long after the switch is closed will the capacitor voltage be equal to 70% of its final value?

Solution:
From Kirchhoff's voltage law we know that: (equation 2)

Then from Ohm's law we have:

Thus the capacitor voltage reaches 70% of maximum after 1.20s.

Written by Jim Waterman, October 6, 1997