Can You Calculate Resistance If You Know the Half-Life of a Capacitor?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the resistance (R) of a capacitor based on its half-life. It is established that the half-life of a capacitor is dependent on the product of resistance (R) and capacitance (C), represented by the equation t = RC. Without knowing the resistance, one can only express the half-life in terms of R, indicating that additional information is necessary to derive a specific value for R.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor behavior and half-life concepts
  • Familiarity with the RC time constant in electrical circuits
  • Basic knowledge of circuit equations and components
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
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  • Research the relationship between resistance and capacitance in RC circuits
  • Learn how to derive the half-life formula for capacitors
  • Explore practical applications of capacitors in timing circuits
  • Study the effects of varying resistance on capacitor discharge rates
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Homework Statement



http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/8553/halflifei.th.jpg

I need to find the half life time of a capacitor and the equation is above.. I know what C is but I don't know R.. is there a way to calculate R in this case?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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-EquinoX- said:

Homework Statement



I need to find the half life time of a capacitor and the equation is above.. I know what C is but I don't know R.. is there a way to calculate R in this case?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


Unfortunately you need RC to determine time. With a tiny resistance it will be smaller than with a larger resistance. Without more information, you can only determine t in terms of R.
 

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