Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the capacitance of a capacitor discharging through an 8.0 kΩ resistor, the key information is that the capacitor loses 63.2% of its charge in 6.2 seconds. This percentage corresponds to one time constant (τ), where τ = R*C. Given R = 8000 Ω and t = 6.2 seconds, the equation simplifies to C = t/R. Thus, the capacitance is calculated as C = 6.2 seconds / 8000 Ω, resulting in a capacitance of approximately 1.688946652 * 10^-3 F, which is correct based on the provided values. Understanding the time constant is crucial for solving this type of problem effectively.
TRE
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
1.Question: A charged capacitor is connected across an 8.0 kΩ resistor and allowed to discharge. The capacitor loses 63.2% of it's original charge in a time of 6.2 seconds. Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor. (This is everything they give and nothing extra, I have checked and made sure).

What they give me is:

R = 8000 Ω
R*C = 8000Ω*C
t=6.2 sec)
Percentage value of : 63.2%




Homework Equations

: None of the equations I have at my disposal can make use of the above values without a voltage or current value given. This is why I am asking for help because I don'tΩ know what equation to use.

I have looked at one equation that may help, but it uses voltage,:
V=V0 * e(-t/RC)




The Attempt at a Solution

: R = 8000 Ω
RC = 8000Ω*C
t=6.2 sec)
Percentage value of : 63.2%

I can use:

63.2% for V ∴ = 0.632

100% for V0 ∴ = 1

e = 2.718 (Value is given like this in my textbook)

RC= 8000Ω*C

t = 6.2 sec

C = ? (value I am asked to calculate)

Solution:

0.632 = 1 * e(-t/R*C)

ln(0.623) = ln(e) * (-6.2/8000*C)

C = 1.688946652 * 10-3 F

My answer does not seem correct as it is a very low value and besides I don't know whether I used the correct value for V and V0 or should they have been switched ?

I would really appreciate some help.

Thank You
Regards
Trevor
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have all information needed to solve this problem. It's seems to me that you don't full understand what time constant is or maybe you don't read the Question too carefully.

This part is very important
The capacitor loses 63.2% of it's original charge in a time of 6.2 seconds.
And all you need is this equation t = R*C
 

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
21
Views
4K
Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
20
Views
8K
Back
Top