Calculating Time Constant and Voltage Decay in a Parallel Circuit

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The discussion focuses on calculating the time constant and voltage decay in a parallel circuit with two 500μF capacitors and a 100kΩ resistor. The time constant is confirmed to be 100 seconds, calculated using the formula RC. For the voltage decay to 630 volts, the time is approximately 99.43 seconds. The current through the resistor at t = 0 is 0.01 Amps, and at t = 5 seconds, it is about 0.095 Amps. The calculations demonstrate the exponential decay of voltage in the circuit.
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Two 500μF capacitor are connected in parallel, and then to a 100kW (105W) resistor.
The capacitors are momentarily charged using a 1000V D.C. supply.
Find:

a) The time constant of the circuit.

b) The time “t” taken for the capacitor voltage to decay to 630 volts

c) The current in the resistor at t = 0 and t = 5 seconds


a)Is the time constant =RC=100s?

b)Do i use V=Vmax(e^(-t/RC))=99.43s?

c) do i use V=Vmax(e^(-t/RC)) again so for 0s its 0.01Amps and for 5s 0.095Amps?
 
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The circuit will decay exponentially. The time constant is the (negative) reciprocal of the decay constant:

exp(kt) = exp(-t/tau).

Let's see two 500muF caps in parallel equals a single 1000muF = 1mF cap. I take it you mean a 100kOhm resistor. dQ/dt = I = - V/R = - Q/CR. So k=-1/RC, tau = RC = 100 Ohm Farads. A Farad has units of seconds per Ohm so (a.) is correct!

Yes for (b.) and for (c.) yes you find the voltage and I = V/R (in magnitude). Looks like you got it.
 

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