Discharging a capacitor through a resistor

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the capacitance (C) of a capacitor discharging through a resistor (R) in a circuit. The initial calculation yielded an incorrect value of 4993 μF, prompting a request for assistance. The correct approach involves using the discharging equation Q = C*Vo*e^(-t/RC) to find C. By substituting the given values into this equation, the user was able to determine the correct capacitance. This highlights the importance of using the appropriate formula for capacitor discharge calculations.
callawee
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In the circuit below, the time required (s) for the charge on the capacitor to drop to 47% of its value after the switch is closed is 2.83 s. If R = 1340 ohms, what is C in μF (microfarad)?


(dq/dt) + q/(RC) = 0

(.47q)/(t) = q/(RC)
t/(.47R)= C
Convert C from F to uF by multiplying by 10^6

I am getting 4993 uF, but that is the wrong answer and I'm not sure where I'm going wrong. Thanks for any help.
 

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callawee said:
In the circuit below, the time required (s) for the charge on the capacitor to drop to 47% of its value after the switch is closed is 2.83 s. If R = 1340 ohms, what is C in μF (microfarad)?

(dq/dt) + q/(RC) = 0

(.47q)/(t) = q/(RC)
t/(.47R)= C
Convert C from F to uF by multiplying by 10^6

I am getting 4993 uF, but that is the wrong answer and I'm not sure where I'm going wrong. Thanks for any help.

Welcome to PF.

Maybe try starting with an equation that describes the discharging of a capacitor?

Q = C*Vo*e-t/rc

Plugging the values and dividing by Q = CVo at t=0

.47 = e-2.83/1340*C
 
Thank you, the equation worked!
 
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