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Describe the process of charging a capacitor in an RC circuit.
1. Initially, current is maximum. 2. As the capacitor charges, current decreases exponentially. 3. Charge on capacitor increases until it reaches its maximum value.
Describe the process of discharging a capacitor in an RC circuit.
1. Initially, current is maximum (opposite direction). 2. As the capacitor discharges, current decreases exponentially. 3. Charge on capacitor decreases until it reaches zero.
How to find the equivalent resistance of resistors in series?
Add the individual resistances: $R_{eq} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + ...$
How to find the equivalent resistance of resistors in parallel?
Calculate the reciprocal of the total resistance by summing the reciprocals of individual resistances: $\frac{1}{R_{eq}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} + ...$
How to find the equivalent capacitance of capacitors in series?
Calculate the reciprocal of the total capacitance by summing the reciprocals of individual capacitances: $\frac{1}{C_{eq}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...$
How to find the equivalent capacitance of capacitors in parallel?
Add the individual capacitances: $C_{eq} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...$
Compare resistors in series and parallel circuits.
Series: Single path, current constant, voltage divides, $R_{eq} = R_1 + R_2 + ...$ | Parallel: Multiple paths, voltage constant, current divides, $\frac{1}{R_{eq}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + ...$
Compare capacitors in series and parallel circuits.
Series: Charge constant, voltage divides, $\frac{1}{C_{eq}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + ...$ | Parallel: Voltage constant, charge divides, $C_{eq} = C_1 + C_2 + ...$
Compare the behavior of current in a charging vs. discharging RC circuit.
Charging: Current decreases exponentially from a maximum value. | Discharging: Current decreases exponentially from a maximum value (opposite direction).
Compare the behavior of voltage across a capacitor in a charging vs. discharging RC circuit.
Charging: Voltage increases exponentially towards the source voltage. | Discharging: Voltage decreases exponentially towards zero.
Compare the formulas for equivalent resistance vs. equivalent capacitance in series.
Resistors in Series: $R_{eq} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + ...$ | Capacitors in Series: $\frac{1}{C_{eq}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...$
Define 'closed circuit'.
A circuit with a complete path, allowing charge to flow continuously.
Define 'open circuit'.
A circuit with a broken path, preventing charge from flowing.
Define 'short circuit'.
A circuit where charge flows with no change in potential difference, bypassing the intended path.
Define 'resistance'.
The opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit, measured in ohms (ฮฉ).
Define 'capacitance'.
The ability of a capacitor to store electrical charge, measured in farads (F).
Define 'time constant (ฯ) in an RC circuit'.
The time it takes for a capacitor to charge to approximately 63% of its maximum charge (or discharge to 37% of its initial charge), given by ฯ = RC.