closing a circuit with a capacitor

daniel_i_l

I have an electromagnet that I want to be activated for two seconds as soon as I turn the power on. I think that this can be done by connecting the electromagnet to the power source in a series with a capacitor and a resistor. As soon as the power is turned on the EM would work until the capacitor gets charged up and cuts off the circuit. Is that true? If so, how do I calculate the sizes of the resistor and capacitor that I need?
Thanks.

TurtleMeister

I don't think the capacitor idea is a good solution to your problem because the current will gradually decrease as the capacitor charges. I'm assuming you would prefer to have the electromagnet have it's full power for the duration of the time interval. Also, you would need to have a safe way to discharge the capacitor after power is removed. A better solution would be to use a normally-closed, timed-open, relay.
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_4/chpt_5/3.html