# Capacitance equation

by dan greig
Tags: capacitance, equation
 P: 41 how would i rearrange this equation to find the capacitance, c? V=Vo exp(-t/RC)
 P: 926 Do you know what the inverse of the exponential function is?
 P: 41 would it go to, V = Vo ln + (-t/RC) then to, V = ln Vo - t x 1/RC
 P: 926 Capacitance equation You're right that you use the natural log function, but your form is incorrect. What would happen if you take the natural log of the exponential function, or ln(e^x) = ?
 P: 41 ln(e) + x ????? not really sure you've lost me a bit sorry
Mentor
P: 40,639
 Quote by dan greig ln(e) + x ????? not really sure you've lost me a bit sorry
Let's do it first with the more familiar base 10.

log( 10^2 ) = 2 (right?)

log( 10^x ) = ?

ln( e^x ) is analogous to log( 10^x )...
 P: 41 log(10^x) = x ? analogous?? The same as?? but log e = 1 does that mean log e^x = 1^x ? therefore log e^x = x ?
Mentor
P: 40,639
 Quote by dan greig log(10^x) = x ? analogous?? The same as?? but log e = 1 does that mean log e^x = 1^x ? therefore log e^x = x ?
No, you need to keep your log() and ln() straight. log() is used with base 10 math, and ln() is used with base e math.

log( 10^x ) = x

ln( e^x ) = ?

Try a few numbers on your calculator to help you keep it straight. There's a reason that most calculators overload the log() key with 10^x and overload the ln() key with e^x.....
P: 777
 Quote by dan greig would it go to, V = Vo ln + (-t/RC) then to, V = ln Vo - t x 1/RC
How come you did not take the natural log on the left hand side?
If this is your original equation, then:
 V=Vo exp(-t/RC)
$$\ln V = \ln V_0 - {t\over RC}$$

Furthur evaluation is simple.

 Related Discussions Electrical Engineering 1 Introductory Physics Homework 15 Introductory Physics Homework 3 Classical Physics 5 Introductory Physics Homework 0