RC time constant problem — confusing problem statement

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the energy remaining in an RC circuit after 300 ms, given a time constant of 100 ms. The user is unsure how to compute the energy without knowing the initial voltage or capacitance. A suggestion is made to interpret "remaining" as the capacitor discharging through the resistor, calculating the remaining energy as a fraction of the initial energy stored. The user follows this advice and shares a solution, which they find reasonable. The conversation concludes positively, affirming the user's approach.
Abo
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
It says that the Time Constant of an RC circuit is equal to 100 ms. What is the energy that remains in the circuit after 300 ms? "Nothing mentioned about whether it is in falling or rising edge".
Relevant Equations
The formulas that I have been using are :
W = 0,5 (C* V^2)
V = V0 ( e^-t/rc )
Hello!
It says that the Time Constant of an RC circuit is equal to 100 ms. What is the energy that remains in the circuit after 300 ms? "Nothing mentioned about whether it is in falling or rising edge".
The formulas that I have been using are :
W = 0,5 (C* V^2)
V = V0 ( e^-t/rc )
since I don't have the details about neither the initial voltage nor the capacitance I really don't know how to compute the energy? would it be a numerical value?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to the PF.

If that's all the problem states, then I would take the word "remaining" to mean that the capacitor is being discharged by the resistor. And assume the initial energy stored is Eo based on an initial capacitor voltage of Vo. Then calculate the energy after 300ms as a fraction of Eo.

Give that a try and see how it goes... :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes Abo
Thank you for your reply. I did as you told me and I think it seems reasonable. Here is a photo of the solution.
241815
 
The photo is a little hard to read, but it looks good to me. Good work! :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes Abo
Back
Top