Current in a RC circuit: Difference between revisions

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The graph presented in the previous section is representative of a exponential equation. The current across a capacitor falls of like <math>I = ({\frac{V}{R}})e^{\frac{-t}{RC}} </math> where '''V''' is the voltage driving the current, '''R''' is the resistance of the circuit, '''t''' is time, and '''C''' is the capacitance of the capacitor.  
The graph presented in the previous section is representative of a exponential equation. The current across a capacitor falls of like <math>I = ({\frac{V}{R}})e^{\frac{-t}{RC}} </math> where '''V''' is the voltage driving the current, '''R''' is the resistance of the circuit, '''t''' is time, and '''C''' is the capacitance of the capacitor.  


As can be seen, as t \xrightarrow \infty, I \to \0. In plain english, if the circuit is closed for a "very long time" the current in the circuit will approach zero.
As can be seen, as t approaches infinity, I approaches 0. In plain english, if the circuit is closed for a "very long time" the current in the circuit will approach zero.


===A Computational Model===
===A Computational Model===

Revision as of 01:45, 2 December 2015

Short Description of Topic

The Main Idea

Now that we have an understanding of steady state current, we can begin to examine the current in a RC circuit.

The current in a RC circuit differs from the current in a simple circuit because the capacitor acquires and releases charge; this varies the current.

This a graphical representation of the changing current and voltage on a capacitor with respect to time.

A Mathematical Model

The graph presented in the previous section is representative of a exponential equation. The current across a capacitor falls of like [math]\displaystyle{ I = ({\frac{V}{R}})e^{\frac{-t}{RC}} }[/math] where V is the voltage driving the current, R is the resistance of the circuit, t is time, and C is the capacitance of the capacitor.

As can be seen, as t approaches infinity, I approaches 0. In plain english, if the circuit is closed for a "very long time" the current in the circuit will approach zero.

A Computational Model

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