Finding the Resistance in an RC Circuit

AI Thread Summary
To find the resistance R in the RC circuit, the problem involves a 10-µF capacitor charged by a 10-V battery, reaching 4 V in 3 seconds. The charge on the capacitor at this voltage is calculated as 4.0 * 10^-5 C. The key is to use the time of 3 seconds directly in the capacitor charging equation, which simplifies the approach. The confusion arose from not initially recognizing that 3 seconds is the time at which the capacitor reaches 4 V. Properly applying the equations leads to determining the resistance value.
hamhamt
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Homework Statement


A 10-µF capacitor is charged by a 10-V battery through a resistance R. The capacitor reaches a potential difference of 4 V in a period of 3 s after the charging began. Find the value of R.

Homework Equations



c=q/v
q=CE(1-e^-t/RC)
i=(E/R)e^(-t/RC)

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the charge on the capacitor when its at 4 volts and got 4.0 * 10^-5 C. I then tried to plug this into the equation for a capacitor charging, but I don't know the time at which the capactior is at 4 volts.

At this point, I attempted finding another equation, so I could attempt a system of 2 equations with 2 unknowns. I tried to use the current in a capactor charging equation, but I ended up getting infinitely many solutions.

I am not entirely sure how to approach this problem.
 
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hamhamt said:
I don't know the time at which the capactior is at 4 volts.

I thought...

hamhamt said:
The capacitor reaches a potential difference of 4 V in a period of 3 s after the charging began.
 
Use c = q/v to find the charge. Then plug that into the second equation at t = 3 s, because the capacitor begins charging at t = 0. So since it reaches 4 V after 3 s of charging, t = 3 s when the capacitor is charged to 4 V.
 
Jesus. I had half of the question cut off at the most important part. Thank you both lol
 
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