After 14ms the current drops -- Find the capacitance at C

[Kelsi_Jade]

Homework Statement

Here is what I have so far. Am I going the right direction?
If so, how do I go about finding the total current?

Homework Equations

See photo above.

The Attempt at a Solution

See above.[/B]

 

[cnh1995]

If so, how do I go about finding the total current?

Is that what you are asked?

 

[gneill]

Here is what I have so far. Am I going the right direction?
If so, how do I go about finding the total current?

You are given two values for the current at different times. You'll want to use them at some point...

What kind of circuit is this? If you simplified the circuit, combining the capacitors and combining the resistors, what are you left with? What kind of behavior would you expect when the switch closed? What's the general formula for the current with respect to time for such a circuit?

 

[Kelsi_Jade]

Well, since the resistors are in series you can combine them to equal one resistor with a resistance of 3+1= 4kOhm.
The capacitors in parallel would equate to one capacitor with 3+C= (3+C)microFerrads.
Current with respect to time would be = Q/Δt ?

 

[gneill]

Well, since the resistors are in series you can combine them to equal one resistor with a resistance of 3+1= 4kOhm.
The capacitors in parallel would equate to one capacitor with 3+C= (3+C)microFerrads.
Current with respect to time would be = Q/Δt ?

Yes, so you have a basic RC circuit (resistor - capacitor circuit).
Your class notes or textbook should show a general formula for the charge or voltage or current with respect to time for such a circuit. If not, do a web search on "RC circuit discharge". Here's an example hit:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/capdis.html