How Do I Calculate Theoretical Charge and Discharge Times in RC Circuits?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating theoretical charge and discharge times in RC circuits, specifically using the formulas t=ln(1-Vc/V0)x-RC for charging and t=ln(Vc/V0)xRC for discharging. The user, Dan from Edinburgh, expresses uncertainty about the correctness of these formulas and seeks assistance in calculating times without knowing the voltage across the capacitor (Vc). The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the relationships between voltage, resistance, and capacitance in RC circuits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RC circuit fundamentals
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions in mathematics
  • Knowledge of capacitor charging and discharging processes
  • Basic proficiency in circuit analysis techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the charging and discharging equations in RC circuits
  • Learn how to measure voltage across capacitors in practical circuits
  • Explore the impact of resistance and capacitance values on charge/discharge times
  • Research simulation tools for modeling RC circuits, such as LTspice or Multisim
USEFUL FOR

Electronics students, hobbyists working with RC circuits, and educators teaching circuit analysis concepts will benefit from this discussion.

d_sx
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I've been set the following assignment on RC circuits that I thought I understood. Turns out I don't:

http://www.geocities.com/danielessex/images/electronicsmain.jpg

I understand what is happening in the circuit and what it is asking me to do but I don't really know how to go about it.

When i transposed the charging formula i got:
t=ln(1-Vc/V0)x-RC

When i transposed the discharging formula i got:
t=ln(Vc/V0)xRC

Not really sure if these are correct but if they are, how do I go about calculating the theoretical charge and discharge times when I don't know Vc

I might just be being stupid but Maths and Physics were never my strong points so any help would be much appreciated (or if you want to do the assignment I wouldn't mind ;P)

Thanks for you time and help,
Dan - Edinburgh, Scotland
 

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Just like to say thanks for the 'overwhelming' response from you all.!

Thanks a bunch!
 
well, I'm not sure about everyone else, but the document in your first link is unreadable on my computer.
 

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