Electric potential difference across capacitor and resistor

In summary, an electric potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electrical potential between two points in an electrical circuit. It is calculated by dividing the energy difference between two points in an electric field by the amount of charge at those points. There is a direct relationship between electric potential difference and current, as stated in Ohm's Law. The potential difference differs across a capacitor and a resistor, as it is directly proportional to the charge stored on a capacitor's plates and the current passing through a resistor. Electric potential difference is important in circuit analysis as it helps determine the flow of current, calculate power dissipation, and energy storage in a capacitor.
  • #1
NatSusan
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Homework Statement



In the circuit shown a resistor of 200k ohm is in series with a capacitor of 500uF and a 9v battery. Switch closed at t=0. What is the electric potential difference across the capacitor and the resistor at t=100?


Homework Equations



Q=cv
Tau=rc
Q=q(1-e^t/rc)

The Attempt at a Solution


Don't even know with that resistor behind the capacitor. I'm so confused.
 

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  • #2
T = 100 what units, years?
 
  • #3
Seconds
 
  • #5


I would first analyze the given circuit and understand the components involved. In this case, we have a series circuit with a resistor, a capacitor, and a battery. The resistor has a resistance of 200k ohm, the capacitor has a capacitance of 500uF, and the battery has an electromotive force of 9v.

Based on the given information, we can use the equation Q=CV to calculate the charge on the capacitor. Since the switch is closed at t=0, the capacitor will start to charge up. At t=0, the charge on the capacitor is 0 as there is no potential difference across it. As time passes, the capacitor will continue to charge up until it reaches its maximum charge, which is given by Q=CV.

Next, we can use the equation Tau=RC to calculate the time constant of the circuit. This will give us an idea of how quickly the capacitor will charge up.

Using the equation Q=q(1-e^(-t/RC)), we can calculate the charge on the capacitor at t=100. This will give us the maximum charge on the capacitor at t=100.

Finally, we can use the equation V=IR to calculate the potential difference across the resistor. This will give us the voltage drop across the resistor at t=100.

To summarize, at t=100, the capacitor will have a maximum charge given by Q=CV, and the potential difference across the resistor will be given by V=IR. Both of these values can be calculated using the given equations and the values provided in the circuit. I hope this helps in understanding the concept of electric potential difference across a capacitor and resistor in a circuit.
 

1. What is an electric potential difference?

An electric potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electrical potential between two points in an electrical circuit. It is a measure of the work needed to move a unit of electric charge from one point to another.

2. How is electric potential difference calculated?

Electric potential difference is calculated by dividing the energy difference between two points in an electric field by the amount of charge at those points. It is measured in volts (V).

3. What is the relationship between electric potential difference and current?

According to Ohm's Law, there is a direct relationship between electric potential difference and current. This means that as the potential difference increases, the current also increases, and vice versa.

4. How does electric potential difference differ across a capacitor and a resistor?

In a capacitor, the potential difference is directly proportional to the charge stored on its plates. In a resistor, the potential difference is directly proportional to the current passing through it. This means that the potential difference across a capacitor can vary, while the potential difference across a resistor remains constant.

5. Why is electric potential difference important in circuit analysis?

Electric potential difference is important in circuit analysis because it helps determine the flow of current in a circuit. It also allows us to calculate the power dissipated by a resistor and the energy stored in a capacitor.

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