Correct statement about series RC circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a series RC circuit where a capacitor is fully charged and then disconnected from a battery, with a switch introduced into the circuit. Participants are examining the behavior of the circuit when the switch is closed, particularly focusing on the relationships between the potential differences across the resistor and capacitor, as well as the current flow in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering the implications of potential differences across the resistor and capacitor, debating between options (d) and (e) regarding which statement is correct. There is also discussion about the current flow through the resistor and capacitor, with some noting that current remains equal through both components due to their series configuration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the potential differences and current flow in the circuit. Some guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between the resistor and capacitor, but no consensus has been reached on the correct answer to the original question.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the role of the wire connecting the resistor and capacitor in their reasoning, which may affect their conclusions about potential drops and current flow.

songoku
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Homework Statement


The battery is disconnected from a series RC circuit after the capacitor is fully charged and is replaced by an open switch. When the switch is closed,
a. the capacitor does not allow current to pass
b. the current stops in the resistor
c. the potential difference across the resistor is always greater than the potential difference across the capacitor
d. the potential difference across the resistor is always less than the potential difference across the capacitor
e. the potential difference across the resistor is always equal to the potential difference across the capacitor

Homework Equations


Not used

The Attempt at a Solution


I think the answer is between (d) or (e).

(d) if there is potential drop across the wire connecting the resistor and capacitor, (e) if no potential drop considered. Maybe the best answer is (d)?

Thanks
 
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songoku said:

Homework Statement


The battery is disconnected from a series RC circuit after the capacitor is fully charged and is replaced by an open switch. When the switch is closed,
a. the capacitor does not allow current to pass
b. the current stops in the resistor
c. the potential difference across the resistor is always greater than the potential difference across the capacitor
d. the potential difference across the resistor is always less than the potential difference across the capacitor
e. the potential difference across the resistor is always equal to the potential difference across the capacitor

Homework Equations


Not used

The Attempt at a Solution


I think the answer is between (d) or (e).

(d) if there is potential drop across the wire connecting the resistor and capacitor, (e) if no potential drop considered. Maybe the best answer is (d)?

Thanks
You can consider the wire as part of the resistor.
 
ehild said:
You can consider the wire as part of the resistor.
If the questions asks about current, the current through resistor will always be equal to capacitor because they are in series?

Thanks
 
songoku said:
If the questions asks about current, the current through resistor will always be equal to capacitor because they are in series?

Thanks
Yes, the current will be the same through both elements, as there is no other way current can flow.
 
Thank you very much ehild
 

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