The discussion revolves around the discharge of a capacitor with specific parameters: a charge of 1.09 C, a potential difference of 16V, and a capacitance of 68,000 µF. Participants are exploring how long it takes for the capacitor to discharge through leakage current, which is defined as 0.003 µA per µF per V, leading to a maximum leakage current of 3260 µA.
The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem. Some have provided insights into the relationship between current and voltage, while others are questioning the validity of their approaches. There is no explicit consensus, but productive dialogue is occurring regarding the nature of the discharge process and the mathematical relationships involved.
Participants note that the problem may not require solving differential equations, as it is a homework question worth only two marks. There is also a recognition that the initial conditions of charge and current are important for the calculations being discussed.
gneill said:For the typical charging capacitor circuit, the sum of the resistor and capacitor p.d.'s is constant (equal to the voltage source).
