Finding R(t) in discharging RC circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a charged capacitor discharging through a variable resistor with resistance dependent on time, R(t). The goal is to find the function R(t) under the condition that the current remains constant until the capacitor is fully discharged, starting with an initial resistance R0 at t = 0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of using a known equation for current that assumes constant resistance, questioning its applicability to the variable resistance scenario. There are attempts to derive R(t) from the given equations, but confusion arises regarding the presence of R in the exponential term.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the relationship between the equations provided and the assumptions about resistance. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the equations and their assumptions, but no consensus has been reached on how to proceed with finding R(t).

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the equations used may not apply directly due to the assumption of constant resistance, which is a critical point of discussion. The nature of the current being constant throughout the discharge process is also emphasized.

ddobre
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Homework Statement


A charged capacitor with capacitance C is being discharged through a variable resistor that has its resistance dependent on time: R = R(t). Find function R(t) if the current through the resistor remains constant until the capacitor is completely discharged and the resistance at the initial moment of the discharge process (t = 0) is equal to R0

Homework Equations


(1) I = (Q0/RC)e-t/RC
(2,3) Q0=Cε, Q = Cεe-t/RC
t = RC
IR = Q/C

The Attempt at a Solution


Since I know I is contant, and at t = 0, R=R0, I tried to use equation (1) for R and at t = 0, when R = R0, so that I could equate the two equations and try to solve for R. This is what I started with:
Q0/R0C0 = (Q/RC)e-t/RC
I ended up with something like:
R = (QR0C0/Q0C)e-t/RC
But I was a little confused because there is still an R in the e expression. So I tried taking the natural log of each side, but what I ended up with didn't seem feasible. Any advice on what I should try to do?
 
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Isn't your eqn (1) a solution to a differential equation which assumes R is constant (the solution, not the equation)?
 
haruspex said:
Isn't your eqn (1) a solution to a differential equation which assumes R is constant (the solution, not the equation)?

I think so. But I was just trying to define R in some way. I'm having trouble trying to find an equation for R(t)
 
ddobre said:
I think so. But I was just trying to define R in some way. I'm having trouble trying to find an equation for R(t)
See the first equation under https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor#DC_circuits
It is an integral equation, and it is obviously true. The equation just below it is obtained by differentiating it, but on the assumption that R is constant, so that second equation does not apply here.
Instead, you have that the current is constant.
 
When a capacitor C charged with Q is connected to a resistor R, current I will flow, and the capacitor voltage is Uc-RI=0. The capacitor voltage is Uc=Q/C and the current is defined as I=dQ/dt. The current is flowing off the capacitor now, so it decreases the charge on it.If it is constant, I =-I0, how does the charge change with time during the discharge?
 
Last edited:

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