Calculating Charge on a Capacitor in an RC Circuit

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the charge on a capacitor in an RC circuit after a specific time. The relevant equation is Q(t) = Q0[e^(-t/RC)], where Q0 is the initial charge, R is resistance, and C is capacitance. Participants express confusion about applying the formula and correctly identifying resistance values, with one user initially miscalculating resistance as 9 ohms instead of 90. Assistance is provided on rearranging the equation to isolate R, emphasizing the use of natural logarithms for solving. The thread highlights the collaborative effort to clarify the problem-solving process related to capacitor charge calculations.
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Homework Statement



A capacitor is charged to 1 coulomb; the capacitance is 9.00×10-5 farads.
Then a switch is closed which puts the capacitor in a closed circuit with a resistor; the resistance is 9.0x10^1 ohms.

Calculate the charge on the capacitor after 4.00 milliseconds. (1 ms = 0.001 s).

I know some equations relating capacitance, charge, and voltage, but I don't understand how to approach this problem

Homework Equations



Q(t) = Q0[e^-t/RC]

The Attempt at a Solution



No clue. I have no idea how to approach this problem and no idea what the value for V is.
 
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Just use: Q(t) = Q0[e^-t/RC]

where are you getting stuck?
 
lol... ugh I was using 9 ohms as a resistance instead of 90! Thanks.
 
I'd like to ask for help in this thread as my question is directly related.

Here is my problem.

Q = 37.1

Q0 = 37.44

e = 2.718

t = 0.25

C = 15.6x10-9

R = ?

How do I rearrange the equation to find R?

Q = Q0[e^-t/RC]

I don't have any idea how to go about it and would appreciate any help. :smile:
 
Q=Q0[e^-t/RC]

divide by Q0

Q/Q0=e^-t/RC

take ln
ln(Q/Q0)=-t/RC

RC*ln(Q/Q0)=-t and so forth
 
Thanks for the reply. Its a great help. :smile:
 
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