What are the practical applications of RC circuits?

In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of RC circuits and their uses. The person initiating the conversation is curious about the purpose of RC circuits and is struggling to find information on Google. Another person suggests that RC circuits are commonly used in audio equipment for things like bass and treble controls, and mentions other uses such as low pass filters and integrators. The conversation also touches on the importance of RC circuits in analog computers and questions about the purpose of the forum. Ultimately, the conversation encourages the person to do their own research and learn more about RC circuits.
  • #1
mathwizeguy
13
0
We are studying RC circuits in my physics class and I'm just curious as to what they are even for? My instructor challenged us to go find 5 uses for RC circuits and I am stumped. I can't even find any on google.

Anybody know of any?
 
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  • #3
ya its funny. i looked there. there arent any uses listed. just types and calculations.
 
  • #4
Probably the bass and treble controls on audio equipment. Amps, guitars, whatever. For precision you'd need to use a digital circuit, but otherwise an RC circuit would do it.
 
  • #5
Well I saw a list, which included Bill's tone controls, low pass filters, differentiators, integrators etc etc.
 
  • #6
What I'm saying is I have no idea or clue whatsoever what any of those uses you listed are.
 
  • #7
Perhaps part of the intended exercise was that you should find out?

It's a copy and paste world these days.
 
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Likes Ronaldo95163
  • #8
Shouldn't this be in homework anyway?
 
  • #9
Perhaps he'll learn when he gets no useful responses.
There's a Post No Homework sticky in some of the forums but not this one, I see.
 
  • #10
Two circuits are very important with RC circuits: Integrators (R-C) and Diferenciators (C-R). These RC arrays are used with operational amplifiers in very fast analog computers.
 
  • #11
haha wowwww. this ISNT HOMEWORK. Its an random inquiry. It was not assigned, hence I used the word "challenged." jeez. what's the point of this forum if people don't discuss the issue and rather the process of bringing up the issue. some people really just need to take a step back and think about what theyre saying.
 
  • #12
So what did you make of the Wiki I linked to?
There were more than 5 uses on that page alone, along with links to more.

Alternatively what special property do you associate with RC circuits, that for instance circuits with resistors or capactors alone do not possess.

In other words what has your teacher told you about RC circuits?
 
Last edited:

1. What is an RC circuit and how does it work?

An RC circuit is a circuit that contains a resistor and a capacitor, connected in series or in parallel. The resistor restricts the flow of electric current, while the capacitor stores electric charge. When connected to a voltage source, the capacitor charges up to the same voltage as the source, and then discharges through the resistor. This process repeats itself, creating a continuous flow of current through the circuit.

2. What are the components of an RC circuit and what are their functions?

The components of an RC circuit are a resistor and a capacitor. The resistor limits the flow of current, while the capacitor stores electric charge. Together, they create a time-varying voltage and current in the circuit.

3. What are the uses of RC circuits in practical applications?

RC circuits have many practical applications, including in filters, timing circuits, and oscillators. They are also used in electronic devices, such as radios, televisions, and computers.

4. What is the time constant of an RC circuit?

The time constant of an RC circuit is a measure of how quickly the capacitor charges or discharges. It is calculated by multiplying the resistance (R) by the capacitance (C) of the circuit, and is represented by the symbol τ. The unit of time constant is seconds (s).

5. How do you calculate the voltage and current in an RC circuit over time?

The voltage and current in an RC circuit can be calculated using the formula V = V0(1 - e-t/τ) and I = I0e-t/τ, where V is the voltage, V0 is the initial voltage, t is time, I is the current, and I0 is the initial current. These equations take into account the time constant and the initial conditions of the circuit.

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