Simple Capacitors

1. Aug 9, 2010

HZXAHNLfzjSr

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A voltmeter of resistance 150kilo Ohms is connected across a 50 micro F capacitor. If at time t= 0 the voltmeter reading is 20V. Find

a) charge on capacitor at time t=o
c) the time which must elapse after t = o before 95% of the energy stored has been dissipated

2. Relevant equations

Q=cv
E=1/2 cv^2

3. The attempt at a solution

a) I used Q = cv
b) I used V = (Vo)(e) - (t/RC) formula but not getting the correct answer
c) I tried a bunch of things but didn't even get close to the answer.

So can someone show me how to solve (b) and (c).

Thanks!

2. Aug 9, 2010

HZXAHNLfzjSr

Also can someone tell me if it's

V = (Vo)(e) - (t/RC)

OR

V = (Vo)(e) ^ - (t/RC)

In the latter case, kindly explain how I'd solve this to get V.

Thanks!

3. Aug 9, 2010

N-Gin

It's the second equation

$$V=V_{0}e^{-\frac{t}{RC}}.$$

(It's easy to see that first one is wrong - it's dimensionally incorrect!)

If you know what is $V_{0}$, you know everything you need to solve the problem completely.

4. Aug 9, 2010

rsalmon

You said that V0 is 20 volts and also be careful with the dimensions (kilo and micro etc).

part c) requires you to rearrange to get it in terms of t. Also you have to work out V (hint: voltage is 'energy per unit charge')

5. Aug 9, 2010

HZXAHNLfzjSr

Well I am still unsure as to how to do part (c) :(

Can someone show me the steps?

Thanks!

6. Aug 9, 2010

N-Gin

For the c) part, just use the formula

$$E(t)=\frac{1}{2}CV^{2}(t).$$

It must be equal to 5% percent of the initial energy

$$E_{0}=\frac{1}{2}CV_{0}^{2}.$$

7. Aug 10, 2010

HZXAHNLfzjSr

Thanks I figured it out and just confirmed it with your posts ;)