Calculate Voltage on Capacitor Over Time with RC Time Constant

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the voltage across a capacitor over time using the RC time constant in electrical circuits. The formula X(t) = X(0) + [X(0) - X(∞)](1 - e^(-t/τ)) is highlighted, where τ = RThC represents the time constant. The user also explores the implications of treating the capacitor as a load and calculating Thevenin equivalent voltages at t=0 and t=∞. Additionally, the discussion includes solving for frequency and RMS current in an AC circuit with given parameters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RC time constant (τ = RC)
  • Familiarity with Thevenin's theorem
  • Knowledge of AC circuit analysis, including impedance
  • Ability to perform complex number calculations in electrical engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Thevenin's theorem in transient analysis
  • Learn about the derivation and application of the RC charging and discharging equations
  • Explore AC circuit analysis techniques, focusing on phasors and impedance
  • Investigate the relationship between frequency, voltage, and current in AC circuits
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, students studying circuit theory, and anyone involved in analyzing transient responses in capacitive circuits will benefit from this discussion.

DIrtyPio
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Hi, I have a simple question: if I have a circuit with a capacitor, how do I calculate the voltage on the capacitor in function of time, I mean I know that tau(τ)=RC and there is the general formula X(t)=X(0)+[X(0)-X(∞)]-t/τ. So here comes my question should I consider the capacitor as the load and calculate the Thevenin equivalent voltage at t=0 and t=∞ and use the X(t)=X(0)+[X(0)-X(∞)]-t/τ formula ,where τ=RThC.
 
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You can do it that way. A simple "rule of thumb" is that a capacitor is a short for high frequencies (t=0) and an open for DC (t=infinity).
 
Ok, I have some circuits and I don't know if I resolved the problems right so here are they:
and I have another question: files
1. The voltage of an ideal a.c. source has the expression:
ug = 100 *20.5sin (2*104 ∏*t +∏/3) V.
1.1. Find the value of the frequency and the value of the voltage at the moment t=0
1.2. Find the complex expression and the rms value of the current if the source supplies the impedance consisting in the resistance of 80 Ω connected in series with the inductance of 3/∏ mH (0.955 mH).

I don't really know what does it mean at the question 1.1. The frequency at the moment t=0. The voltage is 100 *20.5sin (∏/3).
The second question(1.2) I've solved like this:
URMS=100V ; R=80Ω ; L=3mH => XL=j*2*104∏*3/∏*10-3=j*60Ω.
IRMS=URMS/|Z|, where |Z|=(802+602)1/2=100Ω => IRMS=100/100=1A.
And the complex expression of the current is Ucomplex/Rcomplex=100j∏/3/j60=100(cos∏/3+jsin∏/3)/j60=100(1/2+j31/2/2)/j60=50+j50*(31/2)/j60.

Is this correct?
 

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