Potential difference in circuit with battery, resistors, switch, capacitor

[awertag]

Homework Statement

Consider the circuit shown in the Figure, where R1 = 29 and R2 = 4.8 .

http://www.webassign.net/walker/21-44alt.gif

(a) Is the current flowing through the battery immediately after the switch is closed greater than, less than, or the same as the current flowing through the battery long after the switch is closed?
Explain.

(b) Find the current flowing through the battery immediately after the switch is closed.

(c) Find the current in the battery long after the switch is closed.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I am completely lost on this. I'm sorry, but I don't even know how to begin. I hope you'll consider helping me anyway. :(

 

[gneill]

Immediately after the switch is closed (at time 0⁺) the capacitor is still uncharged, and "looks like" a short circuit for all intents and purposes. You must have discussed this in class.

Similarly, after a long time, the capacitor will have charged up to whatever maximum amount is dictated by the surrounding circuit elements; no more current will flow into (or out of) the capacitor. The circuit will behave as though the capacitor is not there. What's the voltage across where it's connected?