Calculating RC & LC Time Constants: Series vs. Parallel

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The position of resistors in RC and LC circuits significantly affects the calculation of time constants. For RC circuits, the time constant is defined as τ = R × C in series configurations, while in parallel configurations, the effective resistance changes, leading to a different calculation. Similarly, for LC circuits, the time constant is typically expressed as τ = L/R, which also varies based on whether the components are in series or parallel. The series configuration is more commonly analyzed due to its straightforward relationship between voltage and current. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate circuit analysis and design.
FrankJ777
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How does the relative position(series or parallel) of a resistor affect the calculation of the RC and LC time constants. In other words is a RC time constant still R\timesC requardless of whether or not R and C are parallel or if R and C are in series. Same question with LC time constants, is it L/R whether or not L and R are in series or parallel to each other. Thats how it looks in my textbook when they derive the time constant, it does seem conterintuitive to me though.

Thanks a lot.
 
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