Calculating Time to Discharge Capacitor to 3V

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time required for a capacitor to discharge to 3V using the formula V = V_i e^{-t/T}. Given a capacitance of 1.5E-6 F and a resistance of 1E3 ohms, the time constant T is calculated as 1.5E-3 seconds. The user struggles with isolating time (t) in the equation, which is resolved through basic algebra involving natural logarithms. The correct approach involves recognizing the decay of voltage and applying inverse operations to solve for t.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor discharge principles
  • Familiarity with the exponential decay formula
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations
  • Knowledge of time constant (RC) in electrical circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the exponential decay formula in electronics
  • Learn about the implications of time constants in RC circuits
  • Explore practical examples of capacitor discharge in real-world applications
  • Investigate the use of simulation tools for analyzing capacitor behavior over time
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, hobbyists working with capacitors, and anyone interested in understanding capacitor discharge dynamics in circuits.

Rupturez
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Determine how long it takes the capacitor to discharge to a value of 3v
C=1.5E-6F
R=1E3ohms
Vi=25v
Vf=3v


Homework Equations


T=RC
v=Vi*e^(t/T)



The Attempt at a Solution


T=1000*1.5E-6
T=1.5E-3s

Vf(3v) is 12% of the initial 25v

Im having trouble solving for time with this equation v=Vi*e^(t/T)

many thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Should I be solving for t or using a normalised universal timeconstant(RC) curve to estimate time?
 
Rupturez said:

Homework Statement


Determine how long it takes the capacitor to discharge to a value of 3v
C=1.5E-6F
R=1E3ohms
Vi=25v
Vf=3v


Homework Equations


T=RC
v=Vi*e^(t/T)



The Attempt at a Solution


T=1000*1.5E-6
T=1.5E-3s

Vf(3v) is 12% of the initial 25v

Im having trouble solving for time with this equation v=Vi*e^(t/T)

many thanks in advance

Firstly V = V_i e^{-t/T} there's a negative sign reflecting the decay of the voltage... it doesn't grow!

Secondly solving this for t is basic algebra, apply inverse operations until you isolate t.
A = B e^{t/C}
A/B = e^{t/C}
\ln(A/B) = t/C
C\ln(A/B) = t
 
Thanking you jambaugh
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K