Electrodynamics: An R-C circuit with DC

[Niles]

Homework Statement

Hi all.

I am looking at a R-C circuit (in series) with DC. I am just trying to analyze what happens at the instant the switch is turned on.

If we set up Kirchoff's second law for this system, we can see that the current will not be constant, and this is because the charge of the capacitor builds up.

But my question is: When components are added in series, they share the voltage and have the same current. Is this only true when there is not a capacitor in the circuit?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Niles.

 

[Jhero]

Hi Niles,

You are correct that the current in a series circuit with a capacitor will not be constant. This is due to the fact that the capacitor is initially uncharged and will act as an open circuit, allowing the full voltage to be applied across it. As the capacitor charges up, the current will decrease until it reaches a steady state.

In a series circuit, the voltage is indeed shared among all the components. However, the voltage across a capacitor is not constant and changes as it charges and discharges. Therefore, the voltage across the other components in the circuit will also vary.

I hope this helps clarify your question. Let me know if you have any further inquiries.