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Describe the process of charging a capacitor in an RC circuit.

Initially, current flows freely into the uncharged capacitor. As the capacitor charges, the current decreases exponentially. Eventually, the capacitor reaches steady state, where its voltage equals the source voltage and current flow stops.

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Describe the process of charging a capacitor in an RC circuit.
Initially, current flows freely into the uncharged capacitor. As the capacitor charges, the current decreases exponentially. Eventually, the capacitor reaches steady state, where its voltage equals the source voltage and current flow stops.
Describe the process of discharging a capacitor in an RC circuit.
When a charged capacitor discharges through a resistor, the charge, voltage, and current decrease exponentially with time. The rate of discharge is determined by the time constant ฯ„ = RC.
How do you calculate the total capacitance of capacitors connected in series?
Use the reciprocal formula: $\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...$
How do you calculate the total capacitance of capacitors connected in parallel?
Add the capacitances directly: $C_{total} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...$
What happens to a capacitor in a DC circuit over time?
Initially, current flows and the capacitor charges. As it charges, the current decreases. At steady state, the capacitor is fully charged, blocks DC current, and acts like an open circuit.
How do you find the total capacitance of capacitors in series?
Use the reciprocal addition formula: \(\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...\)
How do you find the total capacitance of capacitors in parallel?
Add the capacitances directly: \(C_{total} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...\)
Describe the process of charging a capacitor in an RC circuit.
Initially, current flows freely. As the capacitor charges, the voltage across it increases until it equals the source voltage, at which point current stops flowing.
Describe the process of discharging a capacitor in an RC circuit.
The capacitor releases its stored charge through the resistor, with the voltage and current decreasing exponentially over time.
What happens to the voltage across a capacitor in a DC circuit over time?
The voltage across the capacitor increases over time until it reaches the voltage of the source, after which it remains constant.
What is the effect of increasing the resistance in an RC circuit?
Increasing resistance increases the time constant, slowing down the charging/discharging process.
What is the effect of increasing the capacitance in an RC circuit?
Increasing capacitance increases the time constant, slowing down the charging/discharging process and allowing it to store more charge.
What is the effect of reaching steady state in a DC circuit with a capacitor?
The capacitor blocks DC current, acting like an open circuit.
What happens if a capacitor is uncharged in a circuit?
Current flows freely through the circuit.
What is the effect of connecting capacitors in parallel?
The total capacitance increases, allowing the circuit to store more charge at a given voltage.