RC Time Constant Question (Easy)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the charging current of a capacitor in an RC circuit, specifically a 12.8 micro-F capacitor connected through a 0.890 M-ohm resistor to a 60.0 V potential difference. The user successfully computed the charge values but encountered discrepancies in the calculated current values, particularly at 20.0 seconds, where the expected current is approximately 11.65 μA. The discussion highlights the importance of significant figures and rounding in calculations, especially when values are close in magnitude.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RC circuits and time constants
  • Familiarity with capacitor charging equations, specifically q=CE(1-e^(-t/(RC)))
  • Knowledge of current calculations in RC circuits, including i=(E/R)-(q/(RC))
  • Ability to apply significant figures in scientific calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation and application of the capacitor charging equation q=CE(1-e^(-t/(RC)))
  • Learn about the significance of significant figures in scientific calculations
  • Explore alternative methods for calculating current in RC circuits, such as I=(I_0)e^{-t/(RC)} where I0 = E/R
  • Practice problems involving RC time constants and capacitor charging scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, physics enthusiasts, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of RC circuits and capacitor behavior.

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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