A Capacitor with initial charge

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A capacitor with an initial charge q0 discharges through a resistor, and the discussion revolves around determining the time taken to lose specific fractions of its charge. To find the time for losing the first 1/8-th and 7/8-th of the charge, the exponential discharge equation q(t) = q0.e^(-t/RC) is utilized. Participants suggest using natural logarithms to isolate the time variable from the exponential equation. Resources such as Hyperphysics and Wikipedia are recommended for further understanding of natural logarithms. The conversation emphasizes the importance of setting up the equations correctly to solve for time effectively.
Onur
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Homework Statement



A capacitor with initial charge q0 is discharged through a resistor. What multiple of the time constant τ gives the time the capacitor takes to lose

(a) the first 1/8-th of its charge
(b) 7/8-th of its charge?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


since ı know q0.e-t/rc but ı could not do it
 
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Onur said:

Homework Statement



A capacitor with initial charge q0 is discharged through a resistor. What multiple of the time constant τ gives the time the capacitor takes to lose

Homework Equations


(a) the first 1/8-th of its charge
(b)7/8-th of its charge?

The Attempt at a Solution


since ı know q0.e-t/rc but ı could not do it
Welcome to the PF.

Just set up those exponential equations and solve for time. Do you know how to take the natural log of both sides of an exponential equation to be able to pull the time variable out of the exponential?
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

Just set up those exponential equations and solve for time. Do you know how to take the natural log of both sides of an exponential equation to be able to pull the time variable out of the exponential?
no i don't know
 
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