How Is the Time Constant Calculated in a Series-Parallel RC Circuit?

[newyorkcity]

Homework Statement

What is the time constant of the circuit shown in the figure? Each resistor has resistance R, and each capacitor has capacitance C. Internal resistance of the battery is negligible.

See the attached figure.

Homework Equations

tau=RC

The Attempt at a Solution

I assume that the R term has a coefficient of 5, due to the 5 resistors in series each with resistance R. I am confused about the capacitors. Since they are parallel, I assume that I can convert to the equivalent capacitor:

C_total=C₁+C₂+C₃+C₄+C₅

resulting capacitance is 5C. So with terms of 5R and 5C, I get:

tau=25RC

am I on the right track?

 

[gneill]

Not only are you on the right track, you've reached your destination!

 

[ashishsinghal]

That's correct

 

[newyorkcity]

thanks for your help guys, much appreciated.