Calculate Time for Charging/Discharging Capacitor w/16V Battery

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To calculate the charging time for a 6-μF capacitor connected to a 16V battery through a 106Ω resistor, the formula V_c = V_o * (1 - e^(-t/RC)) is used, where V_o is 16V and V_c is 12V. For discharging, the equation V_d = V_o * e^(-t/RC) applies, with V_o as 16V and V_d as 7V. The time constants for both charging and discharging can be derived from these equations, which illustrate exponential behavior. Visual aids, such as graphs from Wolfram Alpha, can help in understanding the charging and discharging processes. The y-intercept in these equations is consistently V_0.
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A 16 V battery, a resistor with R = 106Ω and a 6-μF capacitor are connected in
series with a switch. Find the time taken for the capacitor;
a) To charge to a voltage value of 12V
b) Time to discharge to a value to 7V, after it has fully charged to 16V

a) V_c = V_o \cdot \left(1 - e^\frac{-t}{RC} \right)

Would V_o be 16 and V_c be 12?

b) V_d = V_o \cdot e^\frac{-t}{RC}

Would V_o be 16 and V_d be 7?
 
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Yep. It might help to visualize the exponential graphs:

Charging:

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=16*%281-e^%28-x%2F0.000636%29%29+from+x%3D0+to+x%3D.00318

Discharging:

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=16*%28e^%28-x%2F0.000636%29%29+from+x%3D0+to+x%3D.00318

V_0 is always your y-intercept.
 
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