Charging Time for RC Circuit with Capacitor and Resistor

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the charging time for a capacitor in an RC circuit using the formula Vf=Vo(1-e^(-t/RC)). Participants clarify that Vo represents the constant voltage from the power source, not zero, and discuss the relationship between charge (Q) and voltage (V) through capacitance (C). A participant expresses confusion over units, specifically between microfarads and millifarads, leading to discrepancies in their calculations. Ultimately, they confirm that their understanding of the formula and units is crucial for accurate results. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting electrical units and formulas in circuit analysis.
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Homework Statement


A 1234. pF capacitor and a 5.6 × 106 ohm resistor are connected in series to 78. volts EMF. Approximately how long does it take the capacitor to become almost fully charged?


Homework Equations


Vf=Vo(1-e^(-t/RC))


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure if the equation I'm using is correct. I know there is one that has Q in it but couldn't find it. If there is Q in it how do I link it to volts? Through C=Q/Z?
 
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You can use the equation you have. Just think, what will the voltage across the capacitor be when it is fully charged?
 
kuruman said:
You can use the equation you have. Just think, what will the voltage across the capacitor be when it is fully charged?

Ahh..okay. But wouldn't Vo be 0?
 
Look at your expression. If V0 were zero, then the voltage would be zero at all times and the capacitor would never charge. Here, V0 does not represent the "voltage at time t = 0". It represents the constant emf provided by the battery. What happens to your expression if you let time t go to infinity?
 
RougeSun said:

Homework Statement


A 1234. pF capacitor and a 5.6 × 106 ohm resistor are connected in series to 78. volts EMF. Approximately how long does it take the capacitor to become almost fully charged?


Homework Equations


Vf=Vo(1-e^(-t/RC))


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure if the equation I'm using is correct. I know there is one that has Q in it but couldn't find it. If there is Q in it how do I link it to volts? Through C=Q/Z?

The equation that I have is Vc(t)=Vs(1-e^-t/RC)

Where Vc is the voltage across the capacitor
Vs is the voltae of the supply

Hope this helps.
 
Now I have a question:

Im working with a signal generator RC circuit. And I am trying to work out t=RC to workout the voltage waveform across the capacitor with the above mentioned formula.

This is a very basic formula, but following a few of them in a textbook has thrown me.

eg.
100 k Ohm
0.001 mirco F
This is what is in the textbook
t=RC=(100k)(0.001mF)=100millisecond
Now to me this is should be
t=RC=(100000 Ohm)(0.000000001 F)=0.0001 sec

I seem to be missing a decimal place each time. Can someone help please?
 
lee.perrin@gm said:
This is what is in the textbook
t=RC=(100k)(0.001mF)=100millisecond
This is correct as it stands.

1 mF (one millifarad) = 10-3F

1 μF (one microfarad) = 10-6F

Are you perhaps confusing the two?
 
The mF that I have in there is microfarad. I did not have the mu sign.

And as it is I don't get that value on the calculator.

I get 0.0001sec
 
lee.perrin@gm said:
The mF that I have in there is microfarad. I did not have the mu sign.

And as it is I don't get that value on the calculator.

I get 0.0001sec

Then you are correct and

RC=(100k)(0.001mF)=100millisecond

is also correct. In your case the capacitance is in microfarads and in the other case the capacitance is in millifarads.
 
  • #10
Thank you for your help.

What I have done was made a mistake where it should be mircosecond not millisecond.
 

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