Question involving the RC of a discharging capacitor:

In summary, the problem involves a 200mF capacitor being charged to 10V and then discharged through a 250kΩ resistor. The task is to calculate the potential difference across the capacitor at intervals of 10s. There is confusion about the value of the resistor, as it is listed as 250kW instead of 250kΩ. A possible correction is suggested: 250kΩ resistor and a 200μF capacitor.
  • #1
Dongorgon
20
0

Homework Statement



A 200mF capacitor is charged to 10V and then discharged through a 250kW resistor. Calculate the potential difference across the capacitor at intervals of 10s



The Attempt at a Solution


Firstly, I am completely unsure how to obtain a value for R or C from a 'kW' resistor? Is this a typing error from my tutors behalf?
Also, if such error was apparent, there is virtually no exponential decay if the value was intended to be 250kOHMS. Please help! Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Dongorgon said:

Homework Statement



A 200mF capacitor is charged to 10V and then discharged through a 250kW resistor. Calculate the potential difference across the capacitor at intervals of 10s

The Attempt at a Solution


Firstly, I am completely unsure how to obtain a value for R or C from a 'kW' resistor? Is this a typing error from my tutors behalf?
Also, if such error was apparent, there is virtually no exponential decay if the value was intended to be 250kOHMS. Please help! Thanks.
Hello Dongorgon. Welcome to PF !

Maybe it's a 250kΩ resistor and a 200μF capacitor.
 

Related to Question involving the RC of a discharging capacitor:

What is the time constant of a discharging capacitor?

The time constant of a discharging capacitor is the time it takes for the capacitor to discharge to 37% of its initial voltage. It is calculated by multiplying the resistance (R) in ohms by the capacitance (C) in farads, giving a unit of seconds (RC).

What is the equation for the voltage of a discharging capacitor over time?

The equation for the voltage of a discharging capacitor over time is V(t) = V0 * e^(-t/RC), where V0 is the initial voltage, t is the time, R is the resistance, and C is the capacitance.

How does the resistance affect the rate of discharge in a capacitor?

The higher the resistance, the slower the discharge rate of a capacitor. This is because resistance limits the flow of current, which in turn affects the rate at which the capacitor can release its stored charge.

What happens to the discharge rate as the capacitance increases?

As the capacitance increases, the discharge rate decreases. This is because a larger capacitor can store more charge, so it takes longer for it to fully discharge.

Can a discharging capacitor ever fully reach 0 volts?

In theory, a discharging capacitor can never reach 0 volts. However, in practical applications, a capacitor can be considered fully discharged when the voltage drops to a very low level, typically around 0.1 volts.

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