RC Time Constant Question (Easy)

AI Thread Summary
A 12.8 micro-F capacitor connected to a 0.890 M-ohm resistor and a 60.0 V source is analyzed for charge and current over specific time intervals. The charge values calculated for times 0 s, 5.0 s, 10.0 s, 20.0 s, and 100.0 s were confirmed correct. However, the calculated current for the fourth term (20.0 s) was flagged as incorrect due to potential rounding issues and significant figures. The correct current at 20.0 s is approximately 11.65 μA, and the negative current value at 100 seconds indicates an error. A suggested alternative formula for current is I=(I_0)e^{-t/(RC)}, where I0 = E/R.
beanus
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Homework Statement


A 12.8 micro-F capacitor is connected through a 0.890 M-ohm resistor to a constant potential difference of 60.0 v.


Homework Equations



q=CE(1-e^(-t/(RC))
i=(E/R)-(q/(RC))

The Attempt at a Solution



Compute the charge on the capacitor at the following times after the connections are made: 0 s, 5.0 s, 10.0 s, 20.0 s, and 100.0 s.

Solved for q and according to masteringphysics (the homework program we use) I got all the q values correct. Here they are:
0 , 2.7e−4 , 4.5e−4 , 6.4e−4 , 7.7e−4


Second part, and this is the part that I need help on. I think I'm right but the program says I'm incorrect on the fourth term

Compute the charging currents at the same instants. Calculated i:
6.74e-5 , 4.37e-5 , 2.79e-5 , 1.12e-5 , -1.76e-7

It says "Term 4: Very close. Check the rounding and number of significant figures in your final answer."

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks!
 
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Probably too much too much round off.
 
SammyS said:
Probably too much too much round off.

So am I right?
 
beanus said:
So am I right?

Close to right.

A small round off in E/R makes a big difference and/or q/(RC) makes a big % difference in E/R - q/(RC)when E/R and q/(RC) are nearly the same size.

The correct answer for current @ 20.0 s is ≈ 11.65 μA .

Your answer for 100 seconds is nonsense, since it's negative.

BTW:

Another way to calculate the current at time, t, is to use I=(I_0)e^{-t/(RC)}, where I0 = E/R
 
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