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MDCAT
Physics
2023

Physics · Electrostatics

Work through this past-paper style MCQ, then read the full explanation. Practice more physics questions on mMCQ with adaptive practice and topic analytics.

Question

The time constant of an RC circuit during discharge is that time in which charge on plates, as compared to maximum charge

Options
  • A

    25 percent

  • B

    50 percent

  • C

    63.3 percent

  • D

    36.8 percent

Explanation

Explanation:

During the discharge of an RC circuit, the charge on the capacitor decreases exponentially according to the formula: Q(t) = Q₀e^(-t/RC), where Q(t) is the charge at time t, Q₀ is the initial charge, and RC is the time constant.

When t = RC (one time constant), Q(RC) = Q₀e^(-1) ≈ 0.368Q₀.

This means the charge remaining is approximately 36.8% of the initial charge.

25 percent: Incorrect calculation.

50 percent: Incorrect calculation.

63.3 percent: This is the percentage of charge remaining during charging, not discharging.

Explanation:

During the discharge of an RC circuit, the charge on the capacitor decreases exponentially according to the formula: Q(t) = Q₀e^(-t/RC), where Q(t) is the charge at time t, Q₀ is the initial charge, and RC is the time constant.

When t = RC (one time constant), Q(RC) = Q₀e^(-1) ≈ 0.368Q₀.

This means the charge remaining is approximately 36.8% of the initial charge.

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Tagged under Physics · Electrostatics · 2023