Need help finding current on RC circuit

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the current in an RC circuit with three capacitors (10 pF, 15 pF, and 20 pF) and a resistor (25 ohms) after the capacitors have lost 80% of their initial stored energy. The user correctly applies the energy formula E = 1/2 Q^2/C and derives the necessary charge to achieve 20% of the initial energy. The final current calculation yields approximately 13.9 A using the formula i = -Q/RC * e^(-t/RC), confirming the user's solution is accurate.

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Ruskointhehizzy
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Homework Statement


In the circuit shown in the figure each capacitor
initially has a charge of
magnitude 3.60nC on its plates. After the switch S is closed, what will be the
current in the circuit at the instant that the capacitors
have lost 80.0% of their initial stored energy?
the shown 3 capacitors are 10, 15, and 20 pF and the one resistor has 25ohms - all in series with one switch S.

Homework Equations


E = 1/2Q^2/c = QV/2
V_c(t)=Q/c * (1-e^(-t/RC))
i = Q/RC * e^(-t/RC)

I have since solved this but I would really appreciate it if I could get this checked for correctness.
Thank you.
IMG_2196.JPG


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I think I have figured out my mistake but please can I still get a check to see if my solution is correct?
first I find what Q needs to be to get .2E
to do this I say:
E0 = ½Q2/C, E = ½ ( √.2 Q )2/C = .2(½ Q2/C) = .2E0
I then use this to find -t
-t = RCln(Q/Q0) = RCln(√.2Q0/Q0) = RCln(√.2)
then finally
i = - Q/RC * e-t/RC = Q/RC * eRCln(√.2)/RC = Q/RC * eln√.2 = = -(3.6nC/(25Ω*4.62pF)) * √.2
i = = -3.6e-9C * √.2 / ( 25Ω * 4.62e-12F) = 13.9A
 
We can't see your images, which is probably why nobody has responded.
 
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phyzguy said:
We can't see your images, which is probably why nobody has responded.
Yeah I tried to post a image with a link to my google drive but it didn't let me - then when I tried to remove it wouldn't let me.
I finally resorted to posting it in the comments lmao.
Did you have a chance to check over my solution? I hope I got this correct I've been stuck on it for awhile
 
I don't see the figure anywhere. Have you tried just dragging the figure into the comment entry window?
 
FactChecker said:
I don't see the figure anywhere. Have you tried just dragging the figure into the comment entry window?
oh that worked thank you

that was just my first wrong attempt - I will change the op
 

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