What Resistance Value is Needed for a Pacemaker Operating at 60 BPM?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the resistance value required for a heart pacemaker operating at 60 beats per minute (BPM) using a 4.0uF capacitor. To achieve firing at 63% of the maximum voltage, participants emphasize the importance of the time constant formula for capacitors. The standard time constant is referenced, indicating that the resistance can be derived from the relationship between capacitance, voltage, and time. The correct approach involves applying the time constant equation to determine the necessary resistance value.

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Homework Statement


A heart pacemaker is designed to operate at 60 beats/min using a 4.0uF capacitor. What value of resistance should be used if the pacemaker is to fire when the voltage reaches 63 percent of maximum?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



0.63 x (4/1000) x 60
I don't know if this method is right though?
 
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The 63% is not a random choice; it is the standard for the "time constant" idea. You can look it up in Wikipedia if it isn't handy in your textbook. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_constant, fifth paragraph.

So, you need a formula for the time constant of a capacitor to solve this problem.
 

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