Charge on capacitor (RC circuit)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around analyzing an RC circuit to determine current and charge on a capacitor at various stages. Initially, the current through the resistors is calculated, yielding values of I6 = 1A, I8 = 1.5A, and I12 = 0.5A. The voltage across the capacitor is debated, with some confusion about whether it remains at 6V after accounting for voltage drops across resistors. After the switch is reopened, participants discuss how to calculate the current and charge, emphasizing the role of the 8-ohm resistor and the time constant for capacitor discharge. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding voltage distribution in the circuit without needing to apply Kirchhoff's rules directly.
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Homework Statement


1) Determine the current in each resistor and charge on the capacitor after a long time immediately after the switch is closed
2) Determine the current in each resistor and charge on the capacitor after a long time

After the switch has been closed for a long time it is re-opened.

3) Determine the current in each resistor and the charge on the capacitor immediately after the switch has been re-opened.
4) Determine the time constant of the capacitor discharge.

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Homework Equations


V = I Req
Q = CV

The Attempt at a Solution


I got #1 and got I6 = 1A, I8 = 1.5A, and I12 = .5A
I'm not sure what to do about #2 though. What is the voltage across the capacitor? I thought it would be 6V, because that is the voltage across the parallel series. However, there is a voltage drop after the 1A current runs across the 6ohm resistor so the V across the capacitor is 0.

For #3 and 4, does the 8ohm resistor come into play or no?
Thanks for the help guys.
 
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Is the V across the capacitor just 6V? If so I think I'm good. #2 I through the 6ohm resistor is 0, then I through the other two resistors is 18V/20ohms right?
#3 I = 6V/18ohms Q= 28 E-6 * 6
#4 (18 * 28E-6) = RC
 
Voltage which charges the capacitor is the voltage across 12 ohm resistance. Calculate that voltage.
When the capacitor is completely charged, the same voltage will be the voltage across it.
 
oh is this Kirchoff's rule?
 
No. There is no need to apply Kirchhoff rule.
 
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